Love your Neighbours

"And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul." 1 Samuel 20:17 KJV

David and Jonathan's friendship wasn't built in easy circumstances. David was just a shepherd while Jonathan was a prince, the son of a king. In the midst of hardship they were able to build a unique Friendship. They gave each other their hearts without limit. They put one another first. They loved each other as they loved themselves.

Which is exactly what Christ calls us to do today.

The Bible says to lay down our lives for one another. Thankfully, this act has been demonstrated beautifully by those in the Bible. Take Jonathan for instance. Time and time again he put David before himself. He protected him countless times from his father, and defended him. It wasn't easy but he stood by him closer than a brother in his times of adversity.

Take Ruth. After losing her husband, instead of putting herself first, she spoke with her mother-in- law by saying "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."
Ruth 1:16 NIV

In a time where most woman would run to find a replacement husband, She showed up for Naomi even if it meant her future would be left unknown to her. Even if it meant she may never marry again.

And take Jesus. Our perfect Lord and Saviour. Though pure and without blemish, he unashamedly carried our sins on the cross. He laid his life down for every single one of us by giving himself up for crucifixion in our place. And to all who did receive him? To those who believed in his name? He gave the right to become children of God"
John 1:12 NIV

See friends, life isn't meant to benefit oneself. It's meant to uplift and love those around you. It's meant to help carry the heavy load on a friends shoulder.

So I urge you. Love your neighbours. Not when things are going well or when you see them bear good fruit. But love them. Love them as Christ has loved you. Love them redemptively, forgivingly and unconditionally. For this is the second greatest commandment given to us by God.