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Your Question:
What does it mean to 'love our neighbors as ourselves' in a world of uncertainty and chaos?
Answer:
As I reflect on what it means to "love our neighbors as ourselves" in a world of uncertainty and chaos, I'm reminded of the biblical command to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. This command is not about loving everyone equally, but about loving the person right in front of us, regardless of their background or circumstances. It's not about feeling a warm fuzzy feeling, but about taking action to show love and care for the people around us. For me, this means being intentional about showing love and kindness to those in my community, especially those who may be struggling or in need. As a pastor, I've seen firsthand the impact that loving our neighbors can have on individuals and families. It's not about grand gestures, but about the small, everyday actions that demonstrate our love and care for one another. As C.S. Lewis says, "Do not waste time bothering whether you love your neighbor; act as if you did." When we act with love and kindness towards others, we find that we begin to love them more deeply. As I consider what it means to love my neighbors as myself, I'm reminded of the importance of extending my own self-interest to those around me. I love myself, and I have a basic self-interest that I should extend to my neighbors, to the people to whom I am close. This means being willing to put others before myself, to listen to their needs, and to show them love and compassion. It's not always easy, but it's a fundamental part of living out our faith and loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Sources:
biblical critical theory
christopher watkin
leviticus
jay slklar
kingdom of cults
walter martin
meaning of marriage
timothy keller
mere christianity
c s lewis
introduction biblical ethics
robertson mcquilkin
mark
eckhard schnabel
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