How to Love Your Neighbor in a Broken and Divided Word

 The Lord commands us to love our neighbor. The Bible explains explains in more detail what this means.

Mark 12:28-31 English Standard Version

The Great Commandment

²⁸ And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” ²⁹ Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰ And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ ³¹ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Matthew 5:43-48 English Standard Version

Love Your Enemies

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. ⁴⁶ For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your brothers,^[a] what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? ⁴⁸ You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Yes, we live in turbulent times and yet followers of Jesus are to act in such a way that reflects  a new identity that imitates the character of Jesus, sometimes referred to as Christ-likeness.

So, what is Christ-likeness? Here is one definition I found:

Being “Christ-like” in the Bible means actively embodying the character, actions, and attitudes of Jesus, particularly through love, humility, service, and sacrifice. Rooted in scriptural commands to imitate God, it represents a transformation of heart—often through the Holy Spirit—to reflect divine qualities like forgiveness and mercy rather than mere rule-following. 

The important thing to gather from this definition is that it requires an eternal perspective, a renewed mind, and a transformed heart. 

An eternal perspective is seeing the long term big picture. You see, God created everything in our universe, we messed it up, and then God has a plan to make it right again. Followers of Jesus are part of that eternal plan to be with God. Those who reject the Lord and refuse to follow Jesus, do not walk through the door of salvation. They receive their eternal destiny from the desire to be separated from God. Or they may think through their good works earned them a place of honor with God in the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Jesus said this as plain as day:

 “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

Therefore Jesus is the only way to be reconciled back to God. And in fact He is the light in the darkness to show us the only way to be rescued from our sin is through Himself.

The Bible teaches that

In Jesus was life, and that life was the light of all mankind (John 1:4),  and that Jesus  is  the true light that gives light to everyone  (John 1:9)

A renewed mind means we no longer let the world define who we are or give us our perspective, morals and values. Only God gives us the truth, wisdom, discernment and principles we are to live by.  

Paul in the book of Romans and Philippians explains:

Romans 12:1-2 New International Version

12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Philippians 4:8-9 New International Version

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

A Transformed Heart is needed:

Ephesians 4:22-24 New International Version

²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

And we are to share the hope we have been given even though the Gospel will be offensive to some:

1 Peter 3:15-16 New International Version

¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Jesus warns us that we will be hated for our identity and belief in Him.

John 15:18-19 New International Version

The World Hates the Disciples

¹⁸ “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. ¹⁹ If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

So what does this mean when it comes to loving our neighbor or even our enemies?

Jesus said it best on the cross while suffering for sinners and while facing those who mocked and rejected him:

Luke 23:34 New International Version

³⁴ Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing

In our world today. People are acting in ways that are in total opposition to and rejection of God and His people because they are steeped in embracing their own sinful desires by allowing themselves to succumb to the sinful temptations and hatred embedded in the fallen nature of this broken world. Paul states it this way in Romans 1; their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools. They do not have the Holy Spirit to convict them to see how horrible they are treating others. They are unable to love those who are different.  

Some believers in Jesus struggle with the same kind of hatred and rejection of those who are different. Remember, those who are followers of Jesus are commanded to love their neighbor and pray for those who persecute them. This does not mean believers have to affirm other peoples sin. It does mean we should not hate others but feel compassion for them because they know not what they are doing. The lost are unable to see that Jesus can help them, and that He is the only way they can be rescued from the consequences of having a sin nature.  Here are some good principles to understand about hatred. 

1 John 2:9: "Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness".

1 John 4:20: "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen".

So, how can we love our neighbor in a broken and divided world?

This is what I do:

Pray and ask for God's help. Let the Holy Spirit filter my thoughts and recalibrate my emotions.

Seek wisdom from the Word of God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 New International Version

¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Seek wise and Godly counsel.

And finally, Follow the Bibles instructions for Christian living  

Ephesians 4:17-32 New International Version

Instructions for Christian Living

¹⁷ So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. ¹⁹ Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

²⁰ That, however, is not the way of life you learned ²¹ when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”^[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸ Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

 

Just sayin 

 

 

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A God’s Eye View of Spiritual Leadership

 

Spiritual leadership is living out and leading others in the things of God. Aspects of spiritual leadership include modeling Jesus’ example of servanthood, prioritizing the needs of others, equipping God’s people, building up the body of Christ, and being concerned with the spiritual growth of others. To live this role out, one must first know the God deigned principles He uses to guide His leaders. The Holy Spirit who gives us our spiritual gifts and fruit, is the one that will guide and strengthen God’s people to obey all that God commands and desires.

Also, The Holy Spirit is the key Agent of transformation in our lives that teaches us, sanctifies us, refines our character, guides us and strengthen us to live out the calling, will and purpose of God.

 

As followers of Jesus, we will face the everyday struggle to be on top of our spiritual leadership game. Our everyday struggle is how we can navigate around our sin nature and a desire to live life in our own way for our own purpose. How can we lead others if God is not leading us?

 

So, we must surrender our will and desire for God’s. And we must stay connected to Jesus in order to bear fruit for His kingdom. We know this because Jesus Himself told us so.

 

John 15:4-5 New International Version

⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

 

When we act in accordance to the will of God He will direct our path. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 New International Version

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.^[a]

 

There are many areas where we can be spiritual leaders

At home, at work, at church, coaching of a team, leading a Bible study

mentoring others just to name a few.

 

So, where do we start?

 

There is a great deal of instruction in God’s Word we can appropriate to help us grow spiritually. We can also be led by and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

1, The Holy Spirit in us will work through us: 

John 14:26 New International Version

²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

 

Romans 8:26-27 New International Version

²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

 

Galatians 5:16-18 New International Version

¹⁶ So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever^[a] you want. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

 

So, as you see, The Holy Spirit plays a very important role in Spiritual leadership.

 

We also depend on the Holy Spirit for the spiritual gifts we use for God’s kingdom:

 

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 New International Version

⁴ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. ⁵ There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶ There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

⁷ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. ⁸ To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, ⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,^[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.^[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

 

So, our spiritual leadership will incorporate the spiritual gifts we have as well as the way God is transforming us into the image of Christ.

 

On top of that, there are many principles we can follow for leadership that will be beneficial in all our areas of leadership.

 

2. We Can Study God’s Word and put His leadership principles into Practice (Read the scripture on your sheet and discuss with your group the questions about Spiritual Leadership.

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV 

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

 

1 Timothy 3:2 ESV 

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

 

1 Timothy 3:1-2 ESV 

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

 

1 Corinthians 11:3 ESV

But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.

 

1 Peter 3:7 ESV 

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

  

Hebrews 13:17 ESV 

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

 

Hebrews 13:7 ESV 

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith

 

Ephesians 6:4 ESV 

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

 

Philippians 2:3 ESV 

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

 

John 3:30 ESV 

He must increase, but I must decrease.”

 

Matthew 7:12 ESV 

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

 

James 4:10 ESV 

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

 

Titus 1:9 ESV 

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

 

Titus 1:7 ESV

For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

  

1 Timothy 4:16 ESV

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

 

Ephesians 5:21 ESV

Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

 

Acts 2:42 ESV 

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

 

Mark 10:42-45 New International Version

⁴² Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. ⁴³ Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴ and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. ⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

 

Mark 9:35 New International Version

³⁵ Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

 

Hebrews 13:7 New International Version

⁷ Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

 

Matthew 20:28 New International Version

²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

 

Acts 20:28 New International Version

²⁸ Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,^[a] which he bought with his own blood.^[b]

 

Matthew 28:18-20 New International Version

¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

 

 

 

Questions:

·         What do you think you need to do to be a better Christ centered spiritual leader?

 

·         What is God calling you to do right now as a follower of Jesus?

 

·         What can you share with others how God is growing you spiritually right now?

 

·         Is there someone from the past or in your life right now that is an example of good spiritual leadership? Explain why you trust their leadership.

 

·         Where do you seek wisdom?

 

·         Do you have a biblical worldview? (excerpts from Got Questions below)

 

A biblical worldview (or a Christian worldview) is a worldview based on God’s unchanging Word. Since God is the Creator of everything in heaven and earth, He is the standard for truth. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and unchanging. The Bible contains the words of God, and God is Truth.

 

A Christian worldview answers the three questions:

1)     We are God’s creation, designed to govern the world and fellowship with Him                (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:15).

2) We sinned against God and subjected the whole world to a curse (Genesis 3).     

3) God Himself has redeemed the world through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus            Christ (Genesis 3:15; Luke 19:10), and will one day restore creation to its former perfect state (Isaiah 65:17-25). A Christian worldview leads us to believe in moral absolutes, miracles, human dignity, and the possibility of redemption.

 

The Big Question:

 

Do you want to be a spiritual leader that stands firm on the truth of God?

If yes, what do you need to do to keep God’s truth and principles in your mind and in your heart?

 

 

 

The Best Christmas Gift

There is no better gift in all the world than the free gift of salvation. 

This Gift consists of forgiveness of sin and eternal life.  We can receive this gift through belief and by faith in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. This gift of salvation (Deliverance from sin and its consequences) has been given purely through God's grace stemming out of God's supernatural love for us all. 

Ephesians 2:8 New International Version 1984  

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves
it is the gift of God—

John 3:16 New International Version 1984  
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Appropriating this gift restores us back in a right relationship back to God, adopts us into His family, and assures us of being in His presence in heaven for all eternity. Again, Jesus made this possible through His atoning work on the cross.

We have all been at one time separated from God, and we all still have a sin nature. Yet, God in in His great desire for none to perish, has a made a way for us to be saved from the consequences of our sin. Jesus is that way. For those who receive Jesus' free gift of salvation are now considered His friends and His followers and through Him we can come to the Father. Here is what Jesus tells us about love and friendship:

 

John 15:12-14 New Living Translation 

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 
You are my friends if you do what I command.

 Jesus is the only way to salvation:

Acts 4:12

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under 
heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
 
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

The reason why it is so important for us to know about God's free gift is the fact that sin separates us from Him, and unless this sin is covered and paid for, we will remain separated from God for all eternity. For those who reject Christ and continue on in sin will experience spiritual death.

The Bible explains it this way:

Romans 6:23 New Living Translation  
For the wages of sin is death 

Romans 8:6 New Living Translation (NLT)
So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. 

Isaiah 59:2 New Living Translation
It’s your sins that have cut you off from God.  Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.

The Good News:

Jesus laid down His life, He paid the price for us sinners. This was part of God's plan before the beginning of the world. So if the wages of sin is death, the gift of God is eternal life. If a sinful nature that controls you leads to death then, the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. This is God's good plan to redeem us and adopt us into His family.

 

Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, 
Christ died for us.

Mark 10:45 New International Version 1984  
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life 
as a ransom for many.”

Ephesians 1:4-5 NIV

For he chose us in him (Jesus) before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.  In love  he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—

Why celebrate Christmas?

The birth of our Savior (the incarnation of the second person of the Trinity) is at the heart of each  years Christmas celebration. This is a great opportunity for us to celebrate as well as remember why Jesus was sent by God to come into this world. Please take the time to read Isaiah 53 to get a fuller understanding why many people refer to Jesus as the “Suffering Servant”. Then read Matthew 26:36-42 along with Matthew 27 which reinforces the idea that Jesus not only came to save us but to suffer for us as well. When I think about idea of Jesus suffering, I view Christmas not only as a celebration of His birth, but the recognition of Jesus’ willingness to suffer to carry out God’s plan of salvation. He carried out God’s plan even though He was well aware of the pain He was going to have to endure leading up to and then culminating at the Cross. To me this powerfully enhances the meaning of Christmas to the point of an unmatched heartfelt gratitude toward Jesus for His sacrifice.

 

Christmas is a special time of year and carries with it a purpose for us as well. When I see all the Christmas lights I am reminded that Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus also tells us to be a light to the world so others can hear about God’s wonderful plan of salvation. We are called to spread Jesus'  message of Hope to all who have “ears to hear”.  

 

The Bible speaks about this light in Jesus and in us as well:

 

John 8:12 NIV

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. 
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

John 9:4-5 NIV

As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.  While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

 

John 12:46 NIV

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should 
stay in darkness.

Matthew 5:14-16 

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

 

Isaiah 42:6 NIV
"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles

 

Acts 13:47 NIV
For this is what the Lord has commanded us: " 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' [ Isaiah 49:6] "

 

Here is what we are commanded to do:

 

Matthew 28:18-20 New Living Translation  

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

 

The Good News:

 Romans 10:13    

for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 

 More good news: Once we are saved - Nothing can separate us from the love of God!

Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] 
neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, 
nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of 
God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord

 

So even within all the activities we get involved with during this Christmas holiday, 
let’s always remember to share the good news, the joy we have, and always give an 
answer for the hope we have in Jesus

  

Let’s remember to be the light of world.  

 

1 Peter 3:15 NIV 
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an 
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an 
answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 
But do this with gentleness and respect

 

Jesus paid the price for our sin, let's receive it in gratitude and give all the glory to God.

 

 

 

Merry Christmas.....................Dave