How have you been “[loving] your neighbor as yourself”? ( Mark 12:31)
We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, by continuing to use this site you agree to this.
Find out more on how we use cookies and how to disable them.
How have you been “[loving] your neighbor as yourself”? ( Mark 12:31)
zero_g on April 13, 2011 at 6:03 pm
This is a good rule of thumb, but there are exceptions. Some people take advantage of your niceness and you have treat them differently. Some people you can strike up a conversation with by being nice, and you find yourself looking for an exit strategy. I think you have to use these wise words as a basis for how you treat people, but not let it drive the relationship.
Clarence Wong on April 14, 2011 at 3:40 am
In my case, its a co worker acting childish. Doesn’t seem to like me, is being sarcastic and yet depending on me for his daily work transportation. Feels like he’s taking the joy out of my working life with his pouting face. many a time it feels like the last straw, where i thought of just cutting him off and letting him to hang by himself. But then The Lord reminded me of how i should lead ppl to Him and of His sacrifice for me: What is the hardship I’m going thru’ compared to what He has done for me. So here I am still preservering =). I guess its not easy to be a follower of Christ. I have to constantly remind myself to die daily that I may live in Him. Praise The Lord !
winn collier on April 14, 2011 at 3:18 pm
We have an elderly neighbor that we’ve helped with some home projects (our church actually pitched in), though my suspicion is that we’ve received more than we’ve given.
vikki fr Philippines on April 15, 2011 at 10:58 am
Thankfully, God did not command to like people, but rather to love them… We are only responsible for our own actions and they will be responsible to theirs.
AManofGod on April 16, 2011 at 11:54 pm
It’s so easy to love those who are good to you….or to love those who love you. It’s so much more difficult to love those you do not love you, and even harder to love those who hate you! I have found that God has a way of teaching us to love the people that don’t treat us well and if we follow the example of Jesus we MUST love those who don’t treat us well.
After all, Jesus died for EVERYONE…..even those who didn’t love Him!
It’s amazing the love He had for all…..I want to learn to love like that.
AManofGod
OnMyWayHome on April 17, 2011 at 11:33 pm
A pastor explained years ago that “When on puts the shingle out that they we will listen and help as well, that they would show up.”
Many will come they all are in need of help from car not starting to needing a job to emotional problems and more. They all need to know the Lord and for me that’s kind of hard yet my wife does better than I am able.
So “Yes” we still try to help others as they need it. Yet we ourselves needed help a few years back before we could help others.
We have meet many of people and the friendships that have grown.
aletabugg on April 18, 2011 at 2:09 pm
I am always encouraged by Ephesians 6:12, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Which means, it’s not about the person, but the spirit that rules them. And, we, being filled with the Holy Spirit have authority over them! We must remember, we are spiritual beings having a natural experience, yet, many of us live as natural beings having a spiritual experience!
Loving your neighbor moves us past their actions offending us, but rather to a place of heart and mind to see them the way God does and to treat in that same manner, with the love of God!
tom felten on April 12, 2011 at 8:06 am
riri, it can be so frustrating when people are acting ugly toward you. If part of their posture and attitude is due to your faith, Jesus’ words can provide some encouragement: “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are My followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way” (Matthew 5:10-12). It’s so good to know that we’re not alone—that believers in the past have been attacked and ridiculed for their faith. And our future hope can really help us get through our present trials! Check out this link for an online booklet that presents some good insights into how to deal with broken relationships.