Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and great commandment.39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-39
About a month ago; I found myself in today’s passage. The thought crossed my mind; I do not love my neighbors as myself. I don’t even really know my neighbors. God put it on my heart to invite several people up and down the streets beside and in front of my house.
I made up a little flyer and placed them in the paper boxes of my neighbors. So on a Saturday night; my husband and I along with neighbors Ginny and Joe Wirth; hosted about thirty people. Everyone brought a dish and together we had the sweetest fellowship.
Two of the neighbors recognized each other from their work place. They did no idea, they lived a few houses down from one another. I discovered that my neighbor across the street; works for one of my best friend’s husband. I am ashamed it has taken me so long to have them over.
We can’t know our neighbors; if we don’t make the intentional effort to know them. Time keeps ticking away. Christ’s return is imminent. If I want my neighbors to know Christ, I must make Him known. The cook out was just the first step.
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF
After I’ve made the connection; I must purpose to reach out to these dear people. God has placed us beside of each other for such a time as this. He wants us to reach out and touch those whom He’s given to us.
Prayer in Motion:
Lord Jesus, help me to make the concerted effort to love my neighbor as myself. They are precious souls whom You placed at my back door. Help me to be Jesus to them. Many of them know You personally and several do not. May I concertedly pray for them and show acts of kindness to them. Make me bold in my witness to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. It’s in Your Name I offer up this prayer. Amen
