MATTHEW 22:37-39

Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.”

TO PONDER                                                                                                                                                                        

Some years ago, the study group I was part of was studying John’s Gospel. There were several new Christians attending the group, and they had many questions, making me think, “Oh, I never thought of that!” This was especially true when we came to the verses in our devotion today. Loving your neighbour was a huge block to climb over. It seemed everyone experienced difficulties with those living around them.

The group leader read the parable of the Good Samaritan, and we were asked to describe who our neighbour is. As I recall, the response was anyone who needs our help and care, regardless of background or status. Our neighbour is not limited to those near to us or who share our beliefs, ethnicity, or social class. The discussion then took off about how we love ourselves and translate that to caring for our neighbour.  We show our love of self by caring for our bodies, we value our possessions as they are gifts from God, we maintain a good reputation so hopefully no one will speak badly about us. We read and share God’s word, and we maintain friendships. If you look at your copy of Luther's catechism, you will not only read how not to treat your neighbour but also how to help him in keeping commandments seven to ten. Add to that the care we take of ourselves, and we are on track to help and care for our neighbor.  

It is not always easy; we might want to cross the road or pretend we can’t see; but we have fresh in our minds Jesus’ dying on the cross so that we might have our sins forgiven. We have our hope and faith renewed; we want to thank and serve Jesus. He has shown throughout his ministry how to connect with all people. We too, can do this because we have Holy Spirit living in us to give us words and strength in those awkward encounters. The more we, with Jesus’ help, practice being good neighbours it will become easier and we can claim “Good Neighbour” as our ID

Prayer: Father God, you created us to love and live in unity with one another; to speak well of each other and to welcome and help the stranger. I have sometimes ignored this; I ask for your forgiveness. Help me see when my neighbor needs help so that, with your help, I can supply his need. Amen

Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle