Tuesday, September 6, 2022

We Are All Neighbors – Nah, I’m Good

September 6, 2022/in Week 5, Bible Study

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Admittedly, I like to add my interpretation to some rules, instructions, or orders by twisting the meaning to fit my wants. I did this as a kid more times than I should’ve.

Sometimes I wanted to ride my bike to the Findlay Mall to go to The Barrel of Fun Arcade, even though my mother and grandparents told me, “I better not catch you at the arcade.” You might have heard I wasn’t allowed to go, but I heard I could go to the arcade if I didn’t get caught.

We don’t always read the rules and laws of humanity the way they were intended. Sometimes it’s due to a lack of understanding, but quite often, it’s because we’re attempting to keep the focus on us alone.

Luke 10 clarifies the true meaning behind the most important commandment.

Luke 10:26-27

26 Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” 27 The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

I had fun manipulating the instructions, but explaining why I went to the arcade after getting caught didn’t work in my favor.

This past weekend, we learned that we often justify who we love and connect with and who we choose to distance ourselves from because our interpretation isn’t the same as God’s. The neighbor who looks like us, votes our way, or goes to CedarCreek is probably the person we don’t have any issues with when it’s time to “love your neighbor as yourself.” But why do we shy away from extending that love to someone who looks different, votes for the opposite party, or believes God is part of a fairytale?

God doesn’t choose to love. He is love, so why do we continue to believe we love God while ignoring the rest of his commandments? It’s more accurate to say we like God when we only live for ourselves.

Questions:

What are you doing to love God’s people? Do you know it’s okay to disagree with others? Do you take the time to show people you’re living out God’s word?

Next Steps:

Invite people to church who don’t think like you. Pray that God reveals that one person to you. Take the time to understand the differences in other people.

Prayer:

Lord, help me reach those looking for you who don’t know where to start. Grant me the patience to develop relationships with people who don’t have faith in you, and keep me mindful that patience isn’t always easy. Remind me of those who showed love to me when I wasn’t willing to be loved. Amen.