Wednesday, January 25, 2023
One of the greatest struggles that we as Christians face is loving our neighbors as ourselves. We get so caught up in our own struggles that we often forget that Jesus has commanded us to carry each other’s burdens and help each other through their struggles.
In our society, we are taught the values of independence and ambition, with the goal of striving for personal success. However, as Jesus followers, we are set apart by God. Each of us is created to share the same love and grace God has blessed us with to be a blessing to those around us.
In the Gospel of Mark, a religious leader asked Jesus, of all of God’s commandments, which is the most important. Jesus answered that loving God with all our strength is the most important. However, he did not stop there—Jesus also taught that loving our neighbor as ourselves is equally important as loving God with our whole hearts.
Mark 12:31-34
31 “The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.’” 32 The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. 33 And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.”34 Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.
By loving our neighbors as ourselves, we show the love of Jesus by how we live our lives. This is the way in which we can truly live out our faith and lead others to Christ. Once we surrender our hearts to God and make him our highest priority, he gives us the heart and desire to share that love with others.
God created each of us in his own image—he created us to love and to be loved. He loves each one of us so much that he even sacrificed his only son to give us the opportunity to spend eternity in relationship with him.
Loving our neighbors as ourselves is a choice that we must make every day. It is not easy, and it takes a great amount of patience and compassion. It means loving others by celebrating their successes and being there throughout their trials. It also means putting our judgments and hurts aside to love people the way that God loves us—unconditionally—even when it is uncomfortable or requires us to sacrifice our own desires.
God loves each of us deeply, regardless of our mistakes or hurts. Once we fully give our hearts to God, we are filled with his love and peace. How beautiful would it be if each of us shared that love with those in our lives? Loving each other the way God loves us is the only way to fully appreciate and live out the purpose God has given us.
Questions:
Why do you think that Jesus included loving your neighbor in the Great Commandment?
What are some ways in which you can actively love your neighbor in your daily life?
Next Steps:
Join a Group this Winter Semester to connect with other Jesus followers and build life-giving relationships with those around you.
Step out of your comfort zone and invite a friend to church. Ask God in prayer how he is calling you to be an example of the love of Jesus in their life.
Don’t miss a day of LivingItOut. The LIO will be moving in February. Sign up for our new platform by texting LIO to 419-419-0707 and choosing to get your LIO by text or email.
21 Days of Prayer
Day 17 Focus - To Express my Faith in God’s Ability (Jeremiah 32:17)
Dear God, nothing is too hard for you! Through your great power, all things are possible. All authority is yours, all might is yours, and I know that your victory will be complete. You are amazing, and I worship you. I glorify you for your power and presence in my life. You are my God, and you are worthy of all praise. Amen.
Today’s Parent Prayer
This post was written by Isabelle Billnitzer. Isabelle is a regular attender of CedarCreek and serves in the children’s ministry. She is passionate about writing and loves spending time with her family and friends. Her goal is to show people the love of Jesus Christ.