“Which of these three do
you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law
replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and
do likewise.” Luke 10.36,37
I am commanded to love my
neighbour as I love myself. I am not, I hope, narcissistic in love of self, but
I do feel a healthy self-regard and respect. This is how I want to relate to my
‘neighbour’.
The parable of the Good
Samaritan makes clear to me who my neighbour is – everybody! What a tall order,
then, to relate to all in the healthiest way, to receive them with good regard
and respect.
I know I cannot do this in my
own abilities. I will be more than tempted to judge. But I also know the remedy
for this, and the way forward. I have previously encountered the
‘difficult-to-love’ – for whatever reasons. When I have truly struggled, I have
found release by praying for the person or persons concerned and asking God to
show me them as He sees them. And this is where the knockout comes! In the most
unimaginable instances, God has shown me deep beauty and purity. There have
been times when my breath has fairly been taken away.
This is how I desire to see my
neighbour – all of them! This is not naiveté in the extreme. This, I believe,
is the love of God working in me, with me, and through me.
Loving Father,
May I love my neighbour in ways that are both pleasing and honouring to
You. Let me see people as You see them. Yes, Lord, may You take my breath away
with the beauty that You reveal to me in all people. You love them all. There
are no exceptions. I am not at this place. Please help me to get there. Fill
me, if You will, to overflowing with Your love, and lead me in the utmost
sharing of it, in Jesus’ name I ask. Amen.
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