God, Your Neighbor, and You

If someone came to you needing food, clothes or other kinds of help, what would you say? What would you do? Would you reach into your pantry, pocketbook or closet and give what is needed? Would you refer them to a faith-based or secular organization that you know can provide what is needed? If you know there is no transportation, would you personally drive the person in need to the organization and stick around just to make sure his needs were met?

Does it occur to you to ask God what He wants you to do? The Bible’s instructions are very clear. The great commandment tells us to love God with all that we have and are and to love our neighbor as ourselves. That means God wants us to take care of our own needs and our neighbor’s needs. Does that mean God wants you to give what you can’t? No, but it does mean that He wants you to be personally involved in providing for your neighbor’s needs just like you are for your own. Matthew 25 beginning in verse 31 tells the parable of the sheep and the goats. The sheep are on the right hand of the shepherd, and they are praised for taking care of the hungry, sick, and imprisoned, among others.

James 2:14-16 tells us that if you see someone who needs clothes or food and you tell them everything will be okay but don’t give them what they need, you are not walking the Christian walk. God created us to love us, to nurture and provide for us, and He expects us to love, nurture and provide for our neighbors.

For more tips on how to love God, your neighbor and yourself, visit our site. Here's the link:

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