There are a couple of different gifts that we possess that we are meant to always give away, First and foremost is our understanding of a relationship with God and second is because of that relationship with have love, because of the Holy Spirit’s work in us we should have a healthy understanding that we are the ones God loves the most and should then be able to give that love away.
We have already discussed loving God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. But Jesus finished that discussion with a quote from Leviticus 19, stating that the greatest commandments are not only loving God but also “loving your neighbor as yourself.” What does that mean? Today, we’re going to explore that, and hopefully, after today, you’ll have a clear understanding of what it entails and be able to live life as Christ has designed for you.
Mark 12: 28-34
And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.
As I mentioned earlier, Jesus’ quote about loving our neighbor as ourselves came from Leviticus 19:18. Remember, the Jews had over 613 different rules, regulations, and commandments that they were to follow, so the scribe was honestly asking which one was the most important. For Jesus, it really boiled down to three. Two will be discussed here, and the third I will cover at a later date, but it’s worth mentioning all three now. Love God, love man, and make disciples. These are the three commandments that Jesus emphasized.
What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? Let’s break that down
- Love is a choice, not just a feeling!
When the apostle Paul was instructing the Corinthian church on how to operate in power, he listed the gifts of the Spirit in First Corinthians 12 and 14. However, it is between these two where true power comes from love. The apostle Paul essentially said that apart from love.
The gifts are ineffective because, after all, God is love, and he describes his love and the need for this love in 1 Corinthians 13:1-7.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
The Holy Spirit further emphasizes this love in Romans 13: 8-10
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
When it comes to love, we do have a choice, and we make that choice with every situation and every person in our lives each day. Jesus’ command to us is to make that choice so that our lives will be better. We will show His love to others and truly be an example of who He is. Making that choice improves our lives and reflects His love.
- Our neighbor? Who is our neighbor is the question Jesus answers in the parable of the “Good Samaritan.” Luke 10: 25-37
I’m not going to read the story from scripture. Hopefully, you know the story, but the moral and focus are that God will bring people into your path every day who are in need. Some have physical needs, others mental or spiritual. With each person, remember that Jesus died for them, and ask the Lord how you can help, even if it’s just stopping to pray. Every person in your life, whether they were brought to you by God’s hand or not, whether they are kind and loving or a challenge, love is the key. Jesus emphasizes this in…
Matthew 5:43-48 (NLT)
You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
- “As yourself” How much and in what way do you love yourself?
I know it might sound a little narcissistic to say, “love yourself,” but Jesus isn’t asking; he is commanding it. It doesn’t matter how you feel or how you look; you were made in the very image of God. So as you recognize the value of who you are, that honors God!
This likeness isn’t a physical resemblance but instead shows that humans possess unique qualities and abilities that reflect God’s nature and purpose. These qualities include intellect, free will, morality, spirituality, and the capacity for love and relationships, which allow humans to serve as God’s representatives on Earth. However, sin distorts this image, and we need to restore our relationship with Him to heal it.
The Holy Spirit also tells us in Psalm 139: 13,14
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
God does not make junk; instead, He designed you perfectly to fulfill your purpose on earth and to bring you joy, love, peace, success, fulfillment, and so much more. You are His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10).
As we acknowledge and understand this truth, we grow confident in who we are….trusting in God’s love….which then allows us to love others from a place of security.
Let me share one of my favorite passages of scripture. This passage helps me daily keep my attitude and love aligned with the Father’s heart.
Romans 12:9-21 (Passion paraphrase)
9 Let the inner movement of your heart always be to love one another, and never play the role of an actor wearing a mask. Despise evil and embrace everything that is good and virtuous.
Just be real with people
10 Be devoted to tenderly loving your fellow believers as members of one family. Try to outdo yourselves in respect and honor of one another.
It is easy to criticize one another try spending time focusing on building each other up even when correction is needed
11 Be enthusiastic to serve the Lord, keeping your passion toward him boiling hot! Radiate with the glow of the Holy Spirit and let him fill you with excitement as you serve him.
You can’t keep pouring out if you are not getting refreshed yourself. To love others requires us to have a healthy understanding of how much God loves us, then we can pour out into others.
12 Let this hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble, but commune with God at all times.
Difficulties will always come, but that’s when we should have the most hope that God won’t let us down. Stay focused, especially when things are tough, knowing that God loves you and will always hear your prayers and deliver you. Others will be watching, and it will give them hope and love without you even realizing it.
13 Take a constant interest in the needs of God’s beloved people and respond by helping them. And eagerly welcome people as guests into your home.
“Loving your neighbor as yourself” means being others-focused, aware of their pain, and sensitive to it. Open your heart, your life, and your home to make others feel welcomed in your life.
14 Speak blessing, not cursing, over those who reject and persecute you.
Try to see the pain others are experiencing and pray for their healing, deliverance, or whatever they need to gain the freedom you’re coming to understand every day!
15 Celebrate with those who celebrate, and weep with those who grieve.
Really loving others means taking the time to understand where they are. It’s about never being jealous or envious of someone’s blessings but instead celebrating their success. Even when you don’t understand their pain, it’s about being there for them during those times.
16 Live happily together in a spirit of harmony, and be as mindful of another’s worth as you are your own. Don’t live with a lofty mind-set, thinking you are too important to serve others, but be willing to do menial tasks and identify with those who are humble minded. Don’t be smug or even think for a moment that you know it all.
Recognize that God made every one fearfully and wonderfully in his image look for ways to value each person in your life. Let it be a reminder that love means you are not too good to serve in whatever way people need it. God will bless you more than you can imagine if you keep humble.
17 Never hold a grudge or try to get even, but plan your life around the noblest way to benefit others.
Grudges only bring you pain. Understand that God sees everything, and don’t let someone else’s attitude hurt you. Know your worth and continue sharing that with others.
18 Do your best to live as everybody’s friend.
Do I really need to expand on this?
19 Beloved, don’t be obsessed with taking revenge, but leave that to God’s righteous justice. For the Scriptures say: “Vengeance is mine, and I will repay,” says the Lord.
God loves you more than you can imagine. When you’re hurting, it breaks His heart. Let Him bring justice in His way. Trust that He will do it to bless you and honor Him. Allowing God to handle those who hurt you shows them Jesus in you!
20 And: If your enemy is hungry, buy him lunch! Win him over with kindness. For your surprising generosity will awaken his conscience, and God will reward you with favor.
Always remember that things are bigger than you think. If God has allowed an enemy in your life, they can be used in many ways to bring growth and strength to you. Keep the big picture in mind, despite how they treat you. Jesus still died for them. God may turn them from an enemy into a major blessing in your life. Trust God to handle your enemies….He will do a better job than you ever could!
21 Never let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good.
You are the only Jesus many people may see. Know how much you are loved by God, and from that place of security, win every battle and love on people!
Live this way and give this love away as a gift! If you are struggling in some areas let the Lord meet you there, today!