Love Thy Neighbor
“’Love your neighbor…” – Matthew 5:43
Perhaps he is rich, and you are poor. God has given him these gifts, don’t covet his wealth, and think no harsh thoughts towards him. Be content with your own lot, if you cannot better it, but do not look upon your neighbor, and wish that you were him. Love him, and then you will not envy him.
On the other hand, maybe you are rich, and near you reside the poor. Do not scorn them. Understand that you are to love them. The world calls them your inferiors. In what way are they inferior? They are far more your equals than your inferiors, for “there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
It is your coat which is better than theirs, but you yourself are by no means better than they are. They are men, and what are you more than that? Take heed that you love your neighbor even though he be in rags, or sunken in the depths of poverty.
Now, perhaps, you say, “I cannot love my neighbors, because for all I do they return ingratitude and contempt.” So much the more reason to love. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
If they are hard to please, don’t seek to please them, but to please your Christ Jesus. And remember if they spurn your love, your Master has not spurned it, and your deed is as acceptable to Him as if it had been acceptable to them. Love thy neighbor, for in so doing you are following the footsteps of Christ.
- Charles Spurgeon
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