Text: Mark 12:31 KJV
Further Reading: Mark 12:28-34
And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Mark 12:31 KJV
MESSAGE
Yesterday we started with the commandment on love and we examined the first face of this commandment, which is to love God. Today we will look at the next face which is to love our neighbours and brethren as ourselves.
The Lord said in John 15:12 – “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you”.
The word of God further said, Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another – Romans 12:10.
If there is anything unacceptable today in the body of Christ is the lack of love among brethren. Sadly, we are fast seeing the demise of brotherly love among the brethren. Instead of love, many are looking out for the downfall of others and ways to be the only one in everything.
In Romans 13:10, the Bible to us that if we love our neighbours we will not work anything against them, rather we will be looking for their upliftment. It is unchristian to think evil about your neighbours irrespective of their cultural and religious views.
Here is a terrible indictment to anyone who does not love his neighbours – Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him (1 John 3:15). This is because if a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (1 John 4:20).
This commandment is for the best of the Christians. When we love each other, we can live at peace with each other and serve God better together. God will be happy and we will also be happy. This again is not a big ask from the Lord – His commandments are not grievous.
Make it a point of duty from today to be intentional about loving people around you so that they can see the light of Christ. Peradventure some may through your loving conduct and lifestyle come to the faith.
REFLECTION
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Galatians 5:14 KJV
Since Jesus loved us, we must extend the love of God to our communities and neighbourhood. Let unbelievers see the light of your love and glorify your Father in Heaven.
PRAYER
Father, please help me to love everybody around me as myself.
