Biblical Answer

The command to "love your neighbor as yourself" is a fundamental principle in Christianity, and it has significant implications for modern parenting. In essence, this commandment means that we should treat our neighbors with the same kindness, compassion, and care that we would want for ourselves. As C.S. Lewis notes, this does not necessarily mean that we will feel fond of our neighbors or have warm feelings towards them. Rather, it means that we should act as if we did love them, by treating them with respect, kindness, and generosity.

In the context of modern parenting, this means that we should teach our children to love their neighbors in practical ways. This can involve modeling behavior such as sharing, kindness, and empathy towards others, even when we don't feel like it. It also means encouraging our children to be involved in their communities, volunteering, and showing compassion to those in need. By doing so, we can help our children develop a sense of responsibility and compassion towards others, and teach them that loving their neighbors is not just a feeling, but a choice that we make every day.

Ultimately, loving our neighbors as ourselves is a choice that requires effort, intentionality, and sacrifice. It means putting others before ourselves, even when it's hard or uncomfortable. As the Bible says, "Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law" (Romans 13:10). By teaching our children to love their neighbors in practical ways, we can help them develop a strong foundation in faith and a sense of purpose in life, and ultimately, help them to become people who love others as themselves.