Day 29 | Love God and love your neighbour

Reflection

This week we'll explore the purpose God gives us in our neighbourhoods – the streets we call home.

‘If there’s something strange in your neighbourhood, who you gonna call?’

No, not Ghostbusters. The answer is you.

When Jesus is asked to sum up the law –of which there are 613 parts – in one phrase he responds: ‘Love God with everything you have and love your neighbour as yourself.’

In other words, he plans to restore society through us loving our neighbours!

‘But Jesus,’ I hear you say. ‘You don’t know my neighbours! They play loud music, park across my driveway, have intimidating teenage kids, have a large fir tree growing over into our garden...’

What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘love’?

To love your neighbour is to care about their wellbeing as much as you care about yours. Think back to Jeremiah’s instructions to the exiles to seek the peace and prosperity of all those around them. It’s to seek their flourishing just as much as you seek your own. God’s purpose is for you to work and pray for the shalom of the neighbours around you.

Imagine if there was something strange going on in your neighbourhood and the first person your neighbours thought to call was you. How could God work through you to bring peace and restoration there?

Lord, whether I find it easy or hard to live where I do, please fill me with love for the people around me. Give me a heart for them and an opportunity to show them your love. Amen.