Poor People: Loving Our Neighbors

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)

Loving our neighbors is a COMMANDMENT. It’s not one of the “old rules” Christ fulfilled. Instead, how we treat our neighbors is one of three Commandments Jesus EXPANDED!

He didn’t just expand on this Order, but He elevated its importance– second only to loving the Lord FIRST!

But what if our neighbor is hard to love?

  • What if he’s “poor” in keeping up his yard? He ruins the look of the neighborhood!

  • What if he’s “poor” in hospitality? He’s irritable and rushes inside!

  • What if he’s old, sick, or unattractive? Can’t his family or friends tend to him?

  • What if we disagree with his lifestyle? He’s gay, or he’s Muslim, he seems strange. 

  • What if our politics are different? God chooses rulers. We must stay peaceful.

Also, consider social media and our greatly enhanced ease of travel. They’ve enlarged the meaning of “neighborhoods”. Proximity isn’t just physical.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

A case could be made that “fans” are neighbors. They watch you through countless tiny windows. How best can you love neighbors near and far?

  • For neighbors near, LOVE them by reaching out. Smile. Wave hello. Strike up conversations.

  • For neighbors far, reach out through media. Smile. Walk in love, ESPECIALLY off-stage.

Because the poorest of people are poor in heart and hope. You can show them Jesus.

Poor People: Loving Our Neighbors (Part 6)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban