Monday, July 6, 2015

Are We REALLY loving our neighbor?

My Pastor had a kick butt message yesterday. It was titled, "Rainbows, Flags and Jesus." The podcast will be available on itunes under Providence Church, Albany Ga with the same title. I HIGHLY recommend you listen to it when you can.

I wanted to share a few points with you...because I think it needs to be said.

When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He actually gave two.

Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength.
Love your neighbor as yourself.


The man who asked the question, then asked who his neighbor was. That is when Jesus told him the story of the Good Samaritan. 

Our neighbor is any other human being on this planet.

Here is the thing, if saying something, waving a flag, and being mean to someone is going to hurt that other person, why do it?

The Supreme Court ruling doesn't affect me. I am straight.

I do fully believe that God designed marriage to be one woman, and one man. 

But my acceptance and love towards someone who isn't like me, THAT's what shows them Jesus.

Acceptance does not mean I agree with their behavior. Acceptance means I love like Jesus.

Jason turned off all of the lights in the church, and picked up a spot light. He had Josh, our Youth Pastor come up on stage. When he shined the light on Josh, Josh had to put up his hand and turn away. It was too bright.

But when Jason stood next to Josh, and shined the light out so they could see the way, it made all the difference.

Matthew 5:16 says, "In the same way, let your light shine BEFORE others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven."

Telling people what they are doing wrong is not the way to approach this. Shining a light for them to walk out of the darkness of racism, pride, gluttony, gossip, or whatever else, is the way to live. God does not put sin in categories. We do that. We need to stop.

Who do you need to reach out to today? Who can you love to Jesus?

They are your neighbor, after all.

2 comments:

  1. Great reminder on how we are to love like Jesus in light of current events!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! I think our Pastor did a great job Sunday!

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