The Gospel Way Catechismنموونە

QUESTION 26: Why Do We Love and Serve Our Neighbors?

ANSWER

We love and serve our neighbors as a sign of the kingdom of God. We do good works not to prove our goodness or earn salvation, but as the overflow of God’s love working in and through us.

In our world today, some view good works of justice or involvement in social action as a way of demonstrating their identity as a good person or a way of earning favor with God. Good works help us feel better about ourselves or prove our moral standing and worthiness. We want to feel validated and righteous, and the acts of kindness we perform for our neighbors, or our participation in the political process, or our charitable activities—all these can help us stand out.

The problem with this kind of love and service is that it doesn’t escape the trap of self-centeredness. If the good things we do are merely about proving ourselves, or earning favor with God so he will give us blessings, or securing a heavenly afterlife, all our good deeds are really, deep down, selfish. They’re all about us.

The Bible’s view of love and service is different. Because salvation comes as a gift of God’s grace, our good works are free to flow from a heart transformed by God’s love. Instead of seeking validation, we perform good works because we’ve already been loved and accepted by God (2 Corinthians 9:11). We are freed to truly love and serve our neighbors—not with the selfish impulse of seeking our own good, but with sincerity, caring for their wellbeing above all else.

Many today get on board with any attempt to pursue justice in society (however loosely justice might be defined). And, of course, we celebrate the societal benefits when people pursue justice and do good to others. But the Bible goes further in recognizing a profound spiritual purpose in our love and service. Good works are more than displays of human kindness; they are demonstrations of God’s love. Our pursuit of justice is more than making the world a better place; it reflects the righteous character of God. When we seek justice and love mercy, we offer a foretaste of God’s coming kingdom, revealing what the world can be like when his love reigns in human hearts.

As followers of Jesus, we’re not left to do good works alone. Instead, we’re empowered by God’s love. The presence of God’s Spirit in us flows through us like a river, spilling over into kindness, compassion, and generosity toward others. Loving others is the fruit of the Spirit of God in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). Our good deeds are a sign, a pointer, to the heart of God. Acts of mercy are not just about being kind, but about genuinely caring for others’ wellbeing. We want to follow God’s command to walk in humility as we pursue justice. Loving others is obedience to the Way of Jesus (Mark 12:31).

In today’s world, acts of kindness are often seen as isolated gestures. But as Christians, we believe our good works signify something more significant—the coming kingdom of God. Through our actions, we bear witness to the kingdom of God in our lives. We preview the world where love, justice, and mercy reign. We follow the pattern of prayer given to us by Jesus: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 CSB).

Reflection Questions

How do you understand the purpose of good works in your Christian faith? Reflect on the role of good works in your faith. Consider how your understanding aligns with the idea that good works are an overflow of God’s love working in and through you rather than a means to earn salvation.

Reflect on how pursuing justice and showing mercy can serve as a sign of the kingdom of God. How does this change your perspective on good deeds? Consider how viewing good works as a demonstration of God’s kingdom influences your actions and motivations. How does this perspective affect your daily approach to loving and serving your neighbors?