Disciples love their neighbors
as they love themselves
by caring for one another
through loving actions
Matthew 22:39
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Your Biblical Identity in Christ
Ephesians 4:22-5:2
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
~Apostle Paul
Ephesians 4:32
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
5:1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Pondering Point
The bible verse quoted above is a good recipe for discipleship in action. Be kind; be compassionate; forgive. The opposite – displaying a lack of kindness, indifference, or unwillingness to forgive – will likely end any discipleship opportunity that may have existed. Words of love can be nice, but words of love without actions of love ring hollow and empty. God our Father, out of the kindness of His heart, sent His Son Jesus Christ to be our Savior (see Titus 3:4-6). This is God’s love in action. In fact, Jesus Himself is God’s love in action. That love and kindness enables God to forgive you – in Christ. Now – in Christ – we are to be kind and compassionate, forgiving each other.
• In Christ, I am forgiven and as a dearly loved child of God, I will walk in the way of love, just as Christ loves me and gave himself up for me as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Prayer
Father God, I want to be like you, kind-hearted and full of compassion. I want to learn to forgive even as I have learned that I am forgiven through Jesus Christ my Savior. Let it be so for Jesus’ sake. Amen.