JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is loving our neighbor as ourselves.

Jesus calls this the second greatest commandment in the law. We are introduced to this command in Leviticus 19:18.

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.”

The LORD was making this command to the Israelites in the days of Moses, and Jesus affirms the relevance of this command to our lives as well.

Our neighbor might be the person who lives next to us, works next to us, or worships next to us. Wherever we are, there are usually people nearby that we can engage with the love of God. Where that love is real and pure, we have the opportunity to build relationships based on trust, good will and respect. This kind of love is willing to look beyond our own interests to also look out for the interests of others.

Loving our Neighbor as ourselves is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com