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Your Question:
What does it mean to 'love our neighbors as ourselves' in a chaotic world of conflicting values?
Answer:
As I reflect on the concept of loving our neighbors as ourselves in a chaotic world of conflicting values, I'm reminded of the words of Jesus - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This commandment is not just a feeling, but an action. It's about treating others with the same kindness, compassion, and respect that we would want for ourselves. The key is not to love everyone equally, but to love our neighbor because they are present in our lives, requiring our attention and care. This is not about feeling a warm affection for everyone, but about being willing to act with love and kindness towards those around us, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. As my wife Susan often says, "When we act with love, we begin to feel love." It's a two-way street: our actions towards others can actually change our feelings towards them. In the context of our church and community, this means being intentional about showing love and care to those around us, regardless of their background or circumstances. It's not just about tolerating or coexisting with others, but about actively seeking to understand and meet their needs. As I often tell our congregation, "Love is not just a feeling, but a choice we make every day." By choosing to love our neighbors as ourselves, we can create a ripple effect of kindness and compassion that can transform our community and the world around us.
Sources:
biblical critical theory
christopher watkin
leviticus
jay slklar
meaning of marriage
timothy keller
introduction biblical ethics
robertson mcquilkin
kingdom of cults
walter martin
mark
eckhard schnabel
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