MARCH 17, Galatians 5:14, 22

You will recall from yesterday’s lesson that Jesus taught us that as Christians, loving God is the first and most important commandment. After commanding us to love God, the Lord Jesus also commands us to love others. If we claim that we love God, we must show this love by loving others around us. Jesus taught that the second most important commandment is “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matthew 22:39)

What does it mean to “love our neighbour”? “Neighbour” includes people you know. It is not limited only to those who live near you. It also includes friends, schoolmates, and family members. In fact, it includes everyone you meet or know.

Is it easy to love everyone we meet or know? No! It is very difficult! In fact, it is impossible if we rely on our own strength! Why? Because our sinful self will find fault with others and not be able to love them. The ability to have this kind of love is given only to Christians, for they are to rely on God, not themselves.

If we love God, we would know that we are not perfect but in fact have many areas to improve. When we grow to love God and the Bible more, we would be able to learn that we are very sinful and need God to help us daily. The more we discover our own weaknesses, the more humble we become. When we get more humble, we would be able to appreciate others around us. They, like us, would not be perfect. But we would obey God in trying to love them too. That will teach us so many great lessons! Among the many lessons that we may have, we would learn not to be petty with friends, not to be selfish but to share, not to be jealous of others, and not to be disobedient to parents. The list goes on.

If we are able to love the people we know despite their imperfections, it shows that we are on the right track. It shows that we have obeyed God by being not selfish or proud. It shows that we love God. The sequence is crucial: we must first love God before we can ever love man.

To love everyone is really difficult. Your friend may have just offended you, but you are to still love him. Your sister may have broken your all-time favourite toy, and yet you are to still love her. Wow! It is so hard to love others who have hurt us, but we can do it with God’s help.

Thought: Who is your neighbor?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me not to be selfish, but instead, to learn to love others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.