Biblical Answer

What does it mean to "love my neighbor as myself" in modern parenting?

Understanding the Commandment

The commandment to "love my neighbor as myself" is a fundamental principle in Christianity, as emphasized by Jesus in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This commandment is not about manufacturing affectionate feelings towards our neighbors, but rather about treating them with the same kindness, compassion, and respect that we would want for ourselves. As C.S. Lewis notes, "Do not waste time bothering whether you love your neighbor; act as if you did." This means that we should strive to act with love and kindness towards our neighbors, even if we don't necessarily feel like it.

Loving Our Neighbors as Ourselves

In modern parenting, loving our neighbors as ourselves means being intentional about treating others with kindness, compassion, and respect. This can be demonstrated in various ways, such as being a good neighbor to those who live nearby, being supportive of our children's friends, and being involved in our community. It also means being willing to serve and help others, even if it's inconvenient or uncomfortable for us. As Jesus taught, we should love our neighbors as ourselves, which means that we should treat them with the same love, care, and concern that we would want for ourselves.

Putting Love into Action

In practical terms, loving our neighbors as ourselves in modern parenting means being intentional about building relationships with those around us. This can involve being a good listener, offering help and support when needed, and being willing to forgive and show mercy to others. It also means being a positive influence in our community, whether through volunteering, participating in local events, or simply being a good neighbor. By putting love into action, we can demonstrate to our children the importance of loving and caring for others, and help them develop a heart of compassion and kindness towards those around them. Ultimately, loving our neighbors as ourselves is a key aspect of living out our faith and being a reflection of God's love in the world.