In review of James 2:8 it tells me, “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right." (NIV)
The "royal law" was given by Jesus Christ, who said, "Love each other in the same way I have loved you". This is the basis for all the laws on how I should relate to others. I must treat all people as I would want to be treated. I should not just favor one over the other (rich over the poor) for what they can do for me.
While garage door openers are a wonderful convenience, I can tend to just drive right in and close the door, ensuring I don’t have to see another person before reaching the comfort of home.
But during this pandemic, and anytime, that convenience can keep me from following one of the most basic commands in the Bible: "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right" (James 2:8 NIV).
Love your neighbor as yourself. It’s such a simple command, yet I really don’t even know all of my neighbors, and it's hard to love somebody I don’t know.
What I’m learning is that God enjoys watching the people he created have fellowship with each other? In Zechariah 3:10, he says, "Each of you will invite your neighbor to come and enjoy peace and security, surrounded by your vineyards and fig trees" (GNT).
The point is not to have a pretty place to offer, but to make the choice to be friendly and get to know my neighbors.
This is a unique time that offers a lot of opportunities to get to know the people around me. Most people are at home right now. And, they’re also exercising outside more. One suggestion may be to just sit on my front porch, wave, and even greet the people going by? I’ll never know when a friendly gesture might eventually lead to spiritual conversations.
Do you have a yard project? Take your time so you can be present and make more connections with my neighbors. Do more things in the front yard, and share with neighbors. Consider walking and leaving your earbuds at home so it’s easier to start conversations.
It may seem counterintuitive to get closer to people when I should be keeping my distance. But there are so many ways to love my neighbors, even when you’re six feet apart.
make more connections with my neighbors. Do more things in the front yard,. Make 2020 count by reaching out, opening up, and sharing life with the neighbors so they can one day share eternity with me.
In summary, If I ‘Love my neighbor as myself,’ I am doing right. The "royal law" was given by Jesus Christ, who said, "Love each other in the same way I have loved you". This is the basis for all the laws on how I should relate to others. I must treat all people as I would want to be treated. I should not just favor one over the other. During this pandemic, and anytime, that convenience can keep me from following one of the most basic commands, to "Love my neighbor as myself". So I need to make the choice to be friendly and get to know my neighbors. Try to just sit in my front yard, wave, and even greet the people going by
I tend to not be a social person. I’m usually content just being out with people but not interacting (i.e. Sitting in a Starbucks having coffee and doing my quiet time.) I pray this morning Father that through the help and prompting of your Holy Spirit that I reach out, and at least start some interaction with those who live near me. Don’t let someone pass me by while I”m walking without saying Hi. I ask you also Father for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. These things I pray through your Son Jesus name, Amen.
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