The Fragility Of Life: Our Challenge

‘Teacher, which is the great Commandment in the Law?’ And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first Commandment. And a Second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two Commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.’

Matthew 22:36-40 (ESV)

For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Galatians 5:14 (ESV)

Neighbors like you are quite easy to love. Especially, the obvious Christians. Especially the ones who are friendly.

But what if they’re…

  • Complainers, who never return a smile?

  • Loudmouthed atheists, who think you’re crazy?

  • Unfair bosses, who won’t acknowledge you?

  • Known bullies, who have angry histories?

  • Bigots, who are obviously biased?

Or maybe they’re…

  • Queer, with different lifestyles and values.

  • Liberal, with opinions you don’t share.

  • Homeless, with unsightly messes nearby.

  • Immigrants, with needs and dreams of freedom.

  • Christians, with unusual practices.

The challenge of our Father’s Top Order is our Captain’s added stipulation: 

‘You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven’ (Matthew 5:43-45).

As every Christian can’t help but admit, He demonstrated it LITERALLY.

Footnote: Your neighbors are more than you think: The dictionary says a neighbor is ‘a person or thing located near another’ (Merriam-Webster). 

Therefore, today’s ‘neighborhoods’ may include:

  • Your followers on social media

  • The hard-to-love people at school or work

  • The grouch sitting next to you on a train

  • The unsightly beggars along your path

  • The surly server at a restaurant

Conclusion: God’s about tough love, and this love IS tough. When you love people judged ‘unloveable’ identifies you as a seasoned saint: one truly following the God of love.

Through you, He strengthens other fragile lives!

The Fragility Of Life: Our Challenge (Part 4)

Carey Arban