One of the profound mysteries embedded in the birth of Jesus Christ, His death, the blood He shed, and His resurrection is His unconditional love for mankind. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” It is also written that even while we were still sinners, Christ died for us: Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Such love cannot naturally be found in the heart of man—for someone who is offended to die for the offenders. This is the depth of God’s love expressed through Christ to humanity.
THE CALL TO LOVE GOD AND OUR NEIGHBOUR
Likewise, God expects us to express this same love toward Him and toward others. Luke 10:27, “So he answered and said, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” After redemption, we are admonished not to engage in acts that grieve God. Galatians 5:19–21, “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand… that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR?
Jesus explained this through the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Luke 10:25–37, “25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” 27 So he answered and said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.” 29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” 37 And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
From this, we understand that our neighbour is not limited to those who live near us. Our neighbour includes people we encounter daily:
- At the workplace
- In business places
- In the market
- In church
- In every gathering
Regardless of race, tribe, background, or beliefs.
God’s command is clear: love all, because His love is for all. His desire is that everyone be saved and reign with Him.
HOW CAN WE EXPRESS THIS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE?
- Pay Attention: Jesus, our perfect example, always paid attention to people’s needs. Matthew 14:14, “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” Matthew 15:32, “Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, ‘I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat…’” When we pay attention, we are able to recognize the needs of others.
- Be Conscious of Your Environment: Be spiritually and physically aware of what is happening around you. Sensitivity helps you respond appropriately to people’s needs and situations.
- Be Empathetic: Empathy means feeling the pain of others and responding with compassion. Acts 10:38, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”
- Be a Giver: Giving is a practical expression of love. 2 Corinthians 9:7, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
- Treat People with Honour and Respect: Every human being carries God’s image and deserves dignity. Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.”
- Always Forgive: Forgiveness is a core expression of Christ-like love. Colossians 3:13, “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
CONCLUSION
The love of Christ is not just a message—it is a lifestyle. We are called to reflect His love in our daily lives through compassion, kindness, giving, and forgiveness. When we live this way, we truly represent Christ and fulfill His commandment.
PRAYERS
- O Lord, let the true nature and deeds of Jesus Christ be rooted in me.
- By Your sufficient grace, help me to please You all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name.
- I receive the grace to forgive those who offend me, in Jesus’ name.
- Lord, help me to pay attention and to treat people with honour and respect, in Jesus’ name.