Loving our neighbor can often be easier said than done.
When Jesus came, He challenged us to love even more deeply and sacrificially than the law stipulated.
Fairness and justice has been redefined.
Christ has mandated us to love our enemies. [Matthew 5:43-47]
He also instructs us to love our neighbor as ourselves. [Mark 12:30-31]
Paul tells us too in Romans 12:20-21 how to defeat our enemies by honoring them.
There are inexhaustible verses sprinkled throughout the bible that teach us how to love our neighbor.
We can rest assured that God is fully aware of how difficult this is for us.
But, as we know, He always makes provision for us to fulfil His will.
Today we will look at just seven ways we can walk this love out.
Give without expecting in return
30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.
– Luke 6:30
Trust without wavering
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres
– 1 Corinthians 13:7
Forgive without punishing
13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
– Colossians 3:13
Listen without interrupting
2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.
– Proverbs 18:2
Answer without arguing
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
– Proverbs 15:1
Never miss opportunities to share
16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
– Hebrews 13:16
Always extend prayer
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
– James 5:16
This short list of 7 practical tips to extend love to our neighbor is just scratching the surface.
Still, often we need the reminder that the bible not only instructs us but provides a foolproof guide on how to live.
It is a living and active tour guide for our lives, keeping us accountable and providing constant motivation.
Before You Go
Tell us, do these scriptures inspire you to be a little more intentional with loving your neighbor?
Have you found it pretty difficult at times to love?
If your answer is yes, you aren’t alone.
Still, let us be careful about the stance we adopt regarding them.
We are all broken people after all.
Here’s a song that reminds us of that fact and that our Lord still loves us despite of our brokenness.
Free Download
Here’s a free download of our 7 Ways To Love infographic.
Enjoy
Til next time.
Stay Blessed