“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD”. (“Leviticus 19:18”)
Love one another. Jesus Christ, beloved and rejected, intimately knew both the joy of love and the pain when it is withheld. So it’s no wonder that when asked what was the greatest commandment, He responded with love. “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love””.
Reflection
Sometimes, to “love your neighbor as yourself” means going outside of ourselves to get to know them. And that can take sacrifice. Christ gave the biggest sacrifice: laying down his life for us, who he calls friends. Our sacrifice doesn’t need to be that extreme, but it might look like stepping outside your comfort zone, baking an extra batch of cookies, or taking some time to run an errand for your neighbor.
Morning devotional prayer
Lord, thank You for this day. I ask that You would guide my path today and, more specifically, my thoughts, words and actions. Please be with me throughout the day and help me navigate whatever comes my way. Everything I see, let it be through your eyes. Everything I do, let it be your will. For every hardship I face, let me place it in your hands. Every emotion I feel, let it be your Spirit moving in me. God, thank you for making our salvation secure in Jesus Christ. Help us to wait with confident hope that even when the world seems gathered against us, you will not forsake us. Amen”.
