Loving Your Neighbor

Bible in a Year: Psalm 10-12; Acts 28

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." — John 13:34

Today's Scripture & Insight: John 13:34-35

Paula lived in a close-knit neighborhood, but she had trouble loving some of her neighbors. As a matter of fact, she didn’t even like them very much. Differences in personalities, old hurts, and misunderstandings seemed to build walls that were too high to climb.

One Sunday, a message about John 13:34 moved her deeply " A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another "

This commandment tells us to love our neighbors the way Christ loves us: without conditions, with lots of money, and with a willingness to forgive. It's hard, especially when there are differences, but it's an important part of our Christian walk.

Loving our neighbor means more than just being nice to them. It means being kind, helping them out, and forgiving them even when it's hard. It has to do with showing the love of Jesus in everything we do.

Like Paula, do you find it hard to love your neighbor? Ask God to soften your heart and give you the strength to love like He does. Remember that the world will know we are His followers by how much we love each other.

Reflect & Pray

Which neighbor are you finding difficult to love? How can God's commandment to love one another transform your perspective and actions towards them?

Dear Lord, help us to love our neighbors as You have loved us. Grant us the strength to overcome differences and the grace to extend forgiveness, reflecting Your love in all we do. In Jesus' Name, Amen.