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Your Question:
What does it mean to 'love our neighbors as ourselves' in a chaotic world?
Answer:
As I reflect on the concept of loving our neighbors as ourselves, I'm reminded of the importance of putting action over feelings. It's easy to say we love humanity or a particular group, but it's in the everyday interactions with those around us that we truly demonstrate our love. My neighbor is not just anyone or everyone, but the person right in front of me, with their own needs and struggles. For me, loving my neighbor means recognizing that they are a fellow human being, made by God, and deserving of love and respect. It's not about feeling fond of them or thinking they're a nice person, but about treating them with kindness and compassion, just as I would want to be treated. As I go about my day, I try to be mindful of those around me, whether it's my wife Susan, my children Joshua and Rebecca, or the people I interact with at church. I ask myself, "How can I show love and care to this person, just as I would to myself?" In a chaotic world, loving our neighbors as ourselves can be a daunting task. But it's in the small, everyday moments that we can make a difference. Whether it's forgiving a family member or showing kindness to a stranger, loving our neighbors is not just about feelings, but about action. As C.S. Lewis said, "Do not waste time bothering whether you love your neighbor; act as if you did." By putting love into action, we'll find that our hearts will begin to follow, and we'll come to love our neighbors more deeply.
Sources:
biblical critical theory
christopher watkin
leviticus
jay slklar
meaning of marriage
timothy keller
mere christianity
c s lewis
introduction biblical ethics
robertson mcquilkin
kingdom of cults
walter martin
christian theology
millard erickson
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