Feb 21, 2016 | series: Neighbors
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Who Do I Love?Do I Lo
“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘
Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to
love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God
does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you
do is
love the lovable,
do you expect a bonus? Anybody can
do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you,
do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner
does that.
“In a word, what I’m saying is,
Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity.
Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”
Matthew 5:43-48 (The Message)
We were reminded this week that every person is our neighbor. Period. Every person is created by God and is of sacred worth, therefore, every person is our neighbor. We have to learn how to live in peace, harmony and respect with one another. There is a tendency to brand people in our lives as more or less based on characteristics that we deem worthy or on the flip side less worthy whether it be gender, age, race, sexuality, special needs, financial status, etc. However, as Christians, we have to show self-control and accept everyone for who they are by loving them for their sacred worth. Hopefully, you have been praying for your “magnet” person and will continue to use the magnet as a reminder to pray for those neighbors who may be a challenge. Remember, no matter who you are, where you have been or what you have been up to – you have sacred worth and a place here. Have a great week!
