It’s with a deep conviction that I’ve been thinking a lot about loving my neighbors. The Bible is crystal clear on this point; the onus of obedience is on me. Here is one of just many verses on loving your neighbors (I love how James quotes from the Old Testament and refers to it as the royal law).
“Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” — James 2:8 (NLT)
If I’m honest, I have been feeling a bit stifled in my faith for the greater portion of 2020. Health challenges, the pandemic, losing loved ones, fellowship with the saints via Zoom rather than face-to- face, etc., You know what I’m talking about. Conversely, one thing has stayed constant in all of this — loving God and loving others in my life. The more I saturate my life with Gospel intentions, the more sanctification and satisfaction flows through whatever I’m doing. Even if it seems like I’m doing nothing.
Practically Loving
I’m looking out of my office window as I write this. Sure enough, my neighbor is walking by. I’ve been thinking about him and praying for him and his family — they just brought a new baby boy home. How kind of the Lord to give me this opportunity to pray. No special tools, skills, or financial obligations to fill, just me and the Lord. I’ve been asking Him to draw my neighbor and his lovely family into eternity. God put them on my heart, and it’ll be God who sees it through. Whew, thank goodness it’s not up to me on who goes to heaven or hell. However, there is a gnawing notion that I get to play an integral role in the process and it’s a very significant part of my day-to-day faith. I don’t want to miss a thing God has for me; it’s good for me to pay attention and participate.
Consequently, I’ve decided to lean into God on this. I took a satellite photo of my surrounding neighborhood, specifically the homes nearest to mine. My quest is to get everyone’s names and let them know I am praying for them. Maybe, just maybe, God will help me pray them into heaven. Yee-haw! It’s exciting to even think about loving my neighbors in a fresh new way! I challenge you all to do the same and then email me your God stories (mac@trc.life).
Just trying to practically love my neighbors with you!
Posted in A Word from the Pastor