Seized to Be A Neighbor Lover

Key Verse

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Romans 13:8-9 (NIV)

Short Reflection

Those verses are all-too-familiar. You’ve heard them often from the preacher’s pulpit. The Old Testament, Jesus, Paul, and many others stress the importance of loving your neighbor. The love of your neighbor reflects your true identify in Christ. It came into your DNA when Jesus’ blood was transfused into your own. These verses cannot remain just head knowledge; they must settle in your heart. When they do, they will transform your life. They will transform your neighbor’s life.

And who is your neighbor? Do you dare ask Jesus that question? He’s answered it before. Are you willing to be a neighbor to the person who really needs you and potentially even puts your own safety, security, and material well-being at risk? It takes Jesus to love that kind of neighbor. Jesus seizes you to love your neighbor as He would love them. Loving like that should seem near impossible. You cannot do it on your own. Embracing your own weakness, keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus, and relying on the Holy Spirit’s power to replace your own will allow you to love like that.

David Platt wrote in “Follow Me”: “Western culture has drained the lifeblood out of Christianity and replaced it with a watered-down version of the gospel that is so palatable it isn’t even real anymore.” Loving your neighbor is real. You will feel the blood of Jesus in you when you put love like that into action.

Jesus has seized you to be a neighbor lover!

This is the third in the “Seized to Be The Light of the World” series of blog posts and is a special submission from Marculey Sanon, Executive Director of PEER Servants Canada.