Are you discerning someone else’s pain?

In a world where most people are only interested in what’s in it for them, the scriptures teach us to “love our neighbor as ourselves” (Matthew 22:39). This flies in the face of selfishness. The Lord Jesus died on the cross, not because He was guilty, but because He loved all of humanity. If you look at this scenario with a clear mind, you’ll be able to clearly see that love took Him to the cross. He was touched by our condition, and He was moved to compassion. What does “loving your neighbor” actually say to you? Does it move you to compassion when you see the condition of humanity? Or are you so caught up with your own issues and problems that you do not have time for anyone else? Someone once told me that if we take time to minister to others, our issues won’t seem so huge, and God will bless those who bless others. Remember that the scriptures also say, “What you sow is what you reap.” Determine today to move away from “selfishness,” and move to a posture of “selflessness.” This pleases God, and if we would love and help our neighbor, God will minister to us in our time of need.

Matthew 22: 37-40Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Does your neighbor know if you love them?

The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord (Prov 9:10). The Proverbist taught that in all our getting, we must get wisdom (Prov 4:7). Wisdom will will prolong our days (Prov 9:11, 10:27). Wisdom will reveal strategies and opportunities in key moments of our lives that will bring glory to God and benefit to our families and communities. It is great wisdom to love our neighbors. Jesus taught that we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31). Wherever there is love for neighbors, there is life, good will, provision for all, and God is pleased. When we love our neighbors, we will not tear them down. We will not seek to destroy them. We will only seek to build them up and desire the best for them. Today, let the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ shine through you so that your neighbors could see God’s love (Matt 5:16) and be connected to Him in Christ. Remember, we are His ambassadors (2 Cor 5:21)!

Proverbs 11: 12 – He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace.