Unhealthy Discrimination

Read Proverbs 7

You have heard the law that says, “Love your neighbor” and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

Matthew 5:43-44

The decision to follow Jesus may begin as a simple choice, but following the Lord daily will not be easy. He never said it would be. In fact, Jesus’ statements often show us how far we have to go. For example, we seldom succeed in loving our neighbors, which Jesus took as the expected starting point from which to love our enemies. We ask, “Lord, how can I call them enemies and love them?” To which God answers, “Now you get my point!”

Forget about differentiating between neighbors and enemies. Simply start next door. Who lives there? How well do you know them? What are their needs? What specific action could you take (have them over for a meal, help them with a project, pray for them, return with gratitude something you’ve borrowed and kept for too long, etc.) that would be an expression of love for them? Carry out that action in the next several days.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Love doesn’t discriminate.

Dear Lord, help me love my neighbor ___________ in some specific way this week.