Relationship Builder

Last week, we looked at what it meant to build a relationship with God.  When we do, that relationship builds life because God wants us to have life abundantly.  Jesus told us this was the greatest command – to love God.  Now we pick up with the rest of Jesus’ statement.

And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:39-40 NIV)

I remember when I first learned this command.  I found myself asking the same question that Jesus was asked: “Who is my neighbor?”  I wanted to categorize people into groups.  Some I needed to love.  Others, perhaps, I could just like.  Still others I could just ignore or stay away from.  The ones I didn’t like, I was hoping I could just avoid.  Then I started learning more of the picture.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48 NIV)

Every person is a human being made in the image of God.  Whether we get along or not, God calls me to love each person.  Do they love me?  Great.  Love them back.  Do they just like me?  Ok.  Love them back.  Do they hate me? Hmmm. Love them back.  That can be a pretty indimidating proposition, especially when they hate me.  But, their hate for me doesn’t let me off the hook.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. (1 John 4:18-21 NIV)

How about you?  Do you love your neighbor as yourself?  Are you a relationship builder?