Matthew 22: 34-40
The Greatest Commandment
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[d] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Love your neighbor as yourself…what does that mean? Who is your neighbor?
If you ask any of the kids of the church this question…they would answer—Everyone is your neighbor!!! I think that is a great response. Your neighbor is everyone you meet.
- It doesn’t matter what clothes they wear.
- It doesn’t matter what they have on their feet.
- It doesn’t matter how short or long their hair.
- It doesn’t matter what team they cheer for or what food they eat.
My brother has very long hair. It is actually much longer than mine. When he goes places, he is always asked…when are you going to cut your hair??!! He gets this response from family members, church family and even from strangers on the street. Why does it matter??!! It is his hair and it isn’t hurting anyone. Some people miss out on a great conversation or relationship with him because they are worrying about his hair and not getting to know the person.
Sometimes I feel that different generations are missing out. Teenagers today dress and act differently than the older generations. They may have different experiences and worries, but they have huge hearts! Instead of judging their choices or circumstances, get to know them.
This week, try to get to know someone you feel is “different” than you. You might be surprised to see they are happy, sad, worried, and struggling just like you!