How do I love you if I don't even like you?

"To Love Your Neighbor as Yourself" is maybe one of the more familiar quotes Jesus ever spoke. A lot of us would nod and give verbal assent that this is indeed true. We should be people who love and think well of others.

The problem comes when it's actually time to put this into action. See it's likely going to come at a time when someone has hurt us. Or been rude. Possibly stolen something that belongs to us. Or gossiped about us? We're not very likely to run into someone lying in a ditch needing immediate medical attention like the guy in the story Jesus told. you can read the story here

What might it mean to for you & I to love our neighbor in the same way we love ourselves? Could I suggest a couple ways we might put this into principle into action this week? Or for the next few weeks!

* Here's one... you know how you always cut yourself some slack when you mess up? How about you show others the same grace you'd like to be treated with if you were to make the same mistake. Show grace, patience, kindness, especially with those you might disagree with.

* How about making it your main thing twice a week to look for someone who has a need you can meet, and offer to meet it. In Jesus story we read the Samaritan, "when he saw the man, he had compassion on him." He saw him, had his eyes up and was looking around. He was able to see the man in need.

Have you ever wondered why so many people do nothing to help those around them? I ask the question this way, "Why don't people get off their donkey and help?" We'll tackle that one on Sunday!

This week- who can you be a neighbor to? Is it possible the Lord has placed you in just the place you are because He wants someone helped, encouraged, loved in the Might Name of Jesus?

See you Sunday friend!
Pastor Mike

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