Love Thy Neighbor
The pastor commented yesterday on how he had more friends when he was in the world than he did in the church. I remember an unsaved friend telling me the same thing. She preferred hanging out with prostitutes and people who did drugs, because they were “loving and accepting.”
I realize that is a cop out, but there is some truth to that. Unbelievers often treat their “friends” better than Christians do. It seems we forget the greatest commandment: love.
I feel bad that “What would Jesus do?” was a fad, because that is a question we should ask ourselves. Are we responding to others the way Jesus would?
I am not of the belief that Christians should not “judge,” but there is a difference between acknowledging that someone is sinning and actually being judgmental. As humans, it is easy to look down upon those living in sin instead of realizing that, but for the grace of God, that could be me! Even in the Church, people tend to gossip about others instead of going to them and challenging them to keep walking with God. This is not really love for others. It is more focusing on others’ sin in order to get the focus off of your own.
God did not save you because you are a good person. If you are truly saved, it is more than likely because you saw your need and knew that you were wretched without God. Don’t lose sight of that. No one is hopeless, but I believe many have been turned off due to the lack of love they see in those who claim to love God. As John asks us, though, how can we love God when we don’t love our Brothers and Sisters (1 John 4:20)? And I would add, how can we love God when we don’t love everyone that He died to save?
True love is carrying a burden for those who are hell bound. It is interceding for them and being willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus when necessary. There are a lot of hard hearts in the world, but I’m convinced that there are still many who will respond to love.
Love is also seeing the needs of your Brothers and Sisters and looking for ways to lift their burdens. It’s taking time to listen to their struggles when you would rather be doing anything else.
I work with Christians, so I am not around unbelievers that much. I am also not good with words, except on paper, so I struggle to walk up to someone I don’t know and begin a conversation. But I hope I am never too busy to share a kind word or a smile, to recognize a need when there is one and be willing to fill that need. I pray that, every time I walk out my door, people see Jesus in me. This time of year, especially, people are hurting, and they need hope. Don’t neglect to show God’s love wherever He opens the door for you to do so.
I also hope I am never too busy or preoccupied with my own struggles to be available for a Brother or Sister in need. Jesus was constantly giving, and we need to be willing to do so too.
Sony, I love your posts. You give a beautiful viewpoint to all who read your messages. Keep up the good work. Got to tell you about a song I heard a few years ago and you might want to listen to it. I did a sermon on it and it really hit home with many. The song is only available that I know of through “The Mystery Men Quartet” and is titled “Would they Love Him In Shreveport?” You might have to go to “Ed Crawford and the Mystery Men Quartet” to check it out.Would They Love Him In Shreveport. I was able to do a copy and paste of the words. Hope you like it
If they saw him riding in, long hair flying in the wind
Would they love him down in Shreveport today
If they heard he was a Jew, and a Palastinian Too
Would they love him down in Nashville today
(What if they started following him around)
If they saw him talk with ease, to the junkies, whores and thieves
Would they love him out in Wichita today
And would the rich man think it funny, if he said give up your money,
Would they love him up on Wall Street Today
If he made the wine from water, gave it to their sons and daughter
What would the folks in Salt Lake City say
If he talked of Love and Brotherhood as he walked their neighborhoods,
Would they love him up in Boston today
If he said I’m going to use you and forgive those who abuse you
If he turned the other cheek what would you say
Would you laugh and say your crazy and send him on his way
If Jesus came to your town today?
Tom Drake
Sony:
Thanks for such a thoughtful and inspiring article needed for this time.
I’m not gonna add much, Just leave a scriptural chapter to go along with what you have said.
Titus 2King James Version (KJV)
2 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
When was the last time you heard this chapter preached or taught on?
I often feel the same way, I quit going to church for this very reason. I watch my church on TV, everyday. I get more response with sinners. I have prayed for God to find me a church family for almost 10 years now, & he hasn’t answered me.I wanted to sing in the Choir, but I guess he just wants me to sing to my children & in the car. I have been treated badly, & I mean BADLY by several churches, one in my own small community of 110 people. I love all people, & I guess that much love hasn’t been good with my christian community. I will remain open minded for his words, but it has been silent for awhile, but I pray everyday for wisdom. Thank you for your wisdom, it is always encouraging!!!