Scripture Reading

Mark 12:28-31

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

The Importance of Loving Your Literal Neighbor

What If Jesus Meant to Love Your Actual Neighbor?

Have you ever considered the possibility that we might be overcomplicating the Second Greatest Commandment? What if, in trying to make it abstract, we’ve overlooked its most straightforward and powerful application—loving the people right next to us?

You Are Where You Are for a Reason

It’s no coincidence that you live where you do. Whether you love your neighborhood or are just passing through, there’s a purpose behind your presence there. God, in His sovereignty, has placed you in your current environment for a reason. The One who created you, who knows every detail about you, has also thoughtfully placed the people who live around you.

Sometimes, we’re not just meant to impact our neighbors; they’re there to influence us, too. When you find it difficult to love your neighbors—whether it’s because of noisy parties, inconsiderate behavior, or just differences in lifestyle—consider that this might be an opportunity for your own spiritual growth. These challenges can drive you closer to God, seeking His help to cultivate patience, peace, and self-control.

Who Is My Neighbor?

This age-old question, asked by many, led Jesus to share the Parable of the Good Samaritan. In that story, Jesus emphasized that loving God cannot be separated from loving those around us, even when they are different from us in culture, beliefs, or politics. We are called to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, not in a vague, metaphorical sense, but in a real and practical way.

Redefining Love and Neighbor

In today’s world, the concept of love is often associated with acceptance of all worldviews and behaviors, without discernment. But as followers of Christ, we are called to a different kind of love—God’s agape love. This love is self-giving, sacrificial, and rooted in truth. It’s not about embracing every belief system, but about loving every person made in the image of God.

But what do we mean by “neighbor”? The Greek word for neighbor, plésion, emphasizes proximity. Jesus, the Word made flesh, moved into the neighborhood—literally. He showed us that loving our neighbor starts with those who are physically near us, those who cross our path daily.

Practical Steps: Know Your Neighbor

So, how do we begin to love our actual neighbors? It starts with knowing them. Take the time to learn their names, where they come from, and even some of their deeper dreams, needs, or struggles. To help with this, consider using a simple Block Map.

CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE BLOCK MAP.

This map places you in the center, with eight spots around you to write down the names of your closest neighbors. The goal is to move from being strangers to building real relationships. This was inspired from our friends who wrote The Art of Neighboring (See link below). 

Overcoming Barriers

Loving our neighbors isn’t always easy, and there are many barriers that can stand in the way. Some of these include time constraints, fear, language and cultural differences, or simply the convenience of modern living that makes us less dependent on those around us.

But perhaps the biggest barrier is favoritism. We naturally prioritize certain relationships and overlook others, often because they don’t fit into our preconceived categories. Yet, Scripture reminds us that showing favoritism is a sin. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, without partiality.

The Simplicity and Power of the Great Commandment

Loving your neighbor might seem simple, but it’s incredibly powerful. This commandment from Jesus is not just about doing good deeds; it’s about reflecting the love of God in our everyday interactions. It’s about understanding that our love for God is expressed in how we treat those closest to us.

So, as you go about your day, remember that you are where you are for a reason. The love you show to those around you is a testament to the love you have received from God. Embrace the simplicity of this commandment, and watch how it can transform not just your neighborhood, but your own heart as well.

The above post is a summarized version of the full sermon. Please click the link below to watch the full message:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBwwvSHfl9M