Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

We must love God above all and next to Him is to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We must love ourselves because God loved us first. And that love was so much that He gave His one and only Son for us. ( John 3:16 , 1 John 3:16-18 , Gen. 1:26-27 , Psalm 8:4-5 , 1 Cor. 6:3 )

When Typhoon Ondoy ravaged the country last month , everyone witnessed its devastating aftermath. The lives that were lost , the properties that were destroyed and the houses that were washed away by the floods were in staggering proportion. One couldn't help but be heartbroken. One couldn't help but be moved to tears. It was one of those times that you forget about yourself and think "What can I do to help?" Thus , it was almost as spontaneous as that thought that we began texting , writing and e-mailing friends , relatives and even acquaintances for a cause. We were urged to do something about the plight of the homeless and the victims of the typhoon. We asked for help.

Thank God because there were good hearted individuals who understood and felt the heart of God. They realized that they just don't live for themselves but for others too. Their unselfishness led them to extend help in the humblest means they can. God bless their generous hearts!

The ff. are biblical principles that tell us - we were meant to care for others. In so doing , we show God's love to them.

1. Genesis 4:9 - Then the Lord said to Cain ,"Where is you brother Abel?"
"I don't know'" he replied. "Am I my brother's keeper?"

God expects each one of us to take care of our brethren.

2. Exodus 20:17 - "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your
neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant... or anything
that belongs to your neighbor."


We should not steal from others. It is one of God's Great Commandments.

3. Matthew 25 : 31-46 - "...I tell you the truth whatever you did for one of the leats of these
brothers of mine , you did for me."

God wants us to realize this truth - every good thing we do for others , we are doing it to Him.

4. Genesis 9:5-6 - "... I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man."

Man was created in the image and likeness of God. Whoever puts and end to this God-given life is accountable to God.

5. Ezekiel 33:1-6 , 7-20 - "Son of man , speak to your countrymen and say to them :'When I bring a sword against the land , and the people of the land choose one of their own man and make him their watchman..., but if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people ...I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood."

The prophet Ezekiel was a watchman over the house of Israel. So are we . It is
our responsibility to rebuke the erring brethren or warn them of impending destruction. That is showing true love and concern for them.

6. John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy ; I have come that they may have life and and have it to the full."



Just as God through His Son , Jesus Christ gave His life to protect His children and provide a prosperous and victorious life to them , so are we. We must protect our "neighbors". Bless them; give our lives or possessions to them. That is the greatest expression of love.



7. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 - "...All this is from God who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation..."

God has committed to us the responsibility of reconciling man who has gone astray from his Creator , back to Him. We are ambassadors of Christ who are tasked to proclaim the message of hope and God's love to all.



1 John 4:18 - " 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."


Let us not be afraid to love. Let us not be afraid to show this love. When the least of our brethren need our help , it is the best opportunity to put our faith and love into action!