Learn to love your neighbour
So the month of February is the month of love. Yes, chocolate and roses are the traditional gifts given to our sweethearts to show or reaffirm our affection and love for each other.
For the last four years, our ministry, Master’s Hand Ministry has called February, Love Thy Neighbour month. We have encouraged people to perform simple acts of love for friends and strangers alike. It could be a coffee, a meal, a chocolate bar or even a listening, caring ear with a bit of time. None of these costs a lot, yet are so valuable. In fact, my wife and I have already been blessed with a breakfast, a pot of beef stew and a package of cookies. I have had a medical appointment phone call out of the blue. All of these were because someone cared enough to love us.
This past week I have read where some new sponsored families will soon be arriving in our community and an article where the local Muslim community will soon have their own mosque to gather in worship. These things in themselves serve to show how diverse we can be in our community. God is showing us that just because we are different, doesn’t mean we cannot co-exist. Regardless of our colour, creed or faith, we are not the enemies that the world wants us to be. What we are is the world that Jesus wants us to be. In the Old Testament we were given the Ten Commandments; in the New Testament, or new covenant, Jesus gives us two commandments.
In Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV) the Pharisees tried to trick Jesus with this question. “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Jesus, who is the son of God, has given unto us a great responsibility. Love without borders. He is not our religion, He is our redeemer. His words instruct us not to kill those of another faith but to love those who are different than us. Each of us on this earth will perhaps be given 80 years of human life if we are so fortunate. We will all find out the truth when we leave and are standing in front of God. Meanwhile, let’s offer one another a handshake in peace and love, and perhaps a friendly coffee or piece of chocolate.