God's Glory Church

“And you will love your neighbor as yourself.” — Leviticus 19:18

A fun game in the youth group contained an important lesson: instead of changing neighbors, you should learn to love the ones you have. Participants sat in a circle, and one stood in the center. The one who was standing asked one of those who was sitting: “Do you love your neighbor?” The sitter could answer “yes” or “no”. Depending on the answer, the person sitting next to you stayed or changed places with someone else.

Don’t we sometimes want to change our neighbors in real life? Especially if it’s a picky co-worker or a neighbor who likes to mow the lawn at the wrong time. However, we usually have to get along with problematic neighbors.

When the Israelites were on their way to the Promised Land, God gave them important instructions about how to be a people pleasing to Him. One of the main commandments was: “And you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18), which included refraining from rumors and gossip, refusing to profit from the need of your neighbor and direct exposure if he did something bad (vv. 9-18).

Loving everyone is hard. But we are called to treat others as Jesus Himself acts in us and through us. God can give us the wisdom and ability to live as befits His people.

Which of your “neighbors” do you find difficult to get along with? How can you show more love to this person?

Heavenly Father, help me to show Your love to people, even those who are difficult to love.

Author: Po Fang Hia