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Your Question:
What does it mean to 'love our neighbors as ourselves' in a chaotic world filled with noise and distractions?
Answer:
As I reflect on what it means to "love our neighbors as ourselves" in a chaotic world filled with noise and distractions, I'm reminded of a quote that says, "Do not waste time bothering whether you love your neighbor; act as if you did." This resonates with me as a pastor, and I've found that when I focus on serving others, I'm more likely to develop genuine affection for them. For me, loving my neighbor as myself means treating them with the same kindness, compassion, and understanding that I would want for myself. It's not about feeling a warm, fuzzy feeling towards them, but rather about acting with love and care in my interactions with them. As the Bible says, "Love is not mere tolerance, a warm feeling for everyone out there... It must be for one's neighbor - the person within reach." This means being present with them, listening to their needs, and finding ways to serve them, just as I would want others to serve me. As I consider this command, I'm reminded of my own family and how I can apply this principle in my relationships with my wife, Susan, and our children, Joshua and Rebecca. I want to treat them with the same love and care that I would want for myself, and I'm reminded that this is not just a feeling, but a choice I make every day. By acting as if I love them, I'm more likely to develop a deeper sense of affection and connection with them, and that's a beautiful thing.
Sources:
biblical critical theory
christopher watkin
mere christianity
c s lewis
introduction biblical ethics
robertson mcquilkin
meaning of marriage
timothy keller
leviticus
jay slklar
true sexual morality
daniel heimbach
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