158. How Are We Doing at “Love Your Neighbor”?

Love or hate. You and I have a choice between the two in each interaction with others. I was reminded of this recently when I heard a prominent man in the Christian faith share on a podcast these words, “We are not enemies. We are brothers and sisters.” This turned my thoughts to how my husband and I used to teach our kids to “love your neighbor” as God commands us to in the Bible. How are we doing at “love your neighbor” today?

I don’t know about you, but I think we could use a big dose of this truth today.

Over the last number of years, we’ve seen our nation and the people who reside in it become increasingly divided. About all sorts of subject matter. And for some reason, because of this division, we can no longer accept opinions or beliefs of others if they are different than ours.

I know people who were once friends, but because of their differences in politics, they chose to end their friendship. That hurts my heart.

I’ve watched on social media how some have written words of anger, rage, and hate towards others because of their differing opinions.

I’ve never witnessed more division, hate, and anger towards one another than right now.

Maybe that’s why this person’s words I heard on the podcast struck me so. “We are not enemies. We are brothers and sisters.” Yet, somehow, we’ve become enemies. Maybe not you and me, but as a society, we believe the worst about others, not the best. We believe more of what the media says than what God says. We don’t treat others as we want to be treated. We’ve become increasingly self-centered and selfish, fulfilling our own desires instead of caring about those around us. And if anyone has a different opinion or believe something different than us, well then, they must be our enemy.

I’m in shock of how we treat each other, Christians and non-Christians alike. It’s as if hate has become normal and we can no longer disagree peacefully in most circles. We’ve certainly strayed from what God told Moses to speak to the Israelites, recorded in the book of Leviticus.

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:18 NIV).

Love your neighbor as yourself.

If you’re tired of the hate, too, and desire to be prompted to love, then click on the player above to listen to the full 15-minute episode.

Love your neighbor. May that be our motto and our message in the days, weeks, and months to come. Thanks for tuning in today. I am praying for you. God bless you!

Links in this episode:

Leviticus 19:18 NIV
Matthew 22:37-40 NIV
John 10:10 AMP
Hebrews 13:1 NCV
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