In a world increasingly marked by division, hostility, and polarization, the call to love our neighbour is more urgent than ever. Jesus, when asked about the greatest commandment, replied in Matthew 22:39, “Love your neighbour as yourself.” This commandment, often quoted, is simple in its wording but profound in its implications.
Loving our neighbour is not about agreeing with everyone or even liking everyone; it is about treating others with dignity, kindness, and respect, regardless of their background, opinions, or behaviour. It’s a choice to put others’ needs ahead of our own and to extend the same grace that God has extended to us.
In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate what it means to love our neighbour. In this story, a man is beaten and left on the side of the road. Several people pass him by without helping, but the Samaritan, a person despised by the Jewish community, stops, offers care, and ensures that the man receives help. This parable teaches us that love isn’t limited by cultural, racial, or social barriers. It transcends all divisions and calls us to reach out to those in need, even if they are different from us.
Loving our neighbour also means seeking peace and reconciliation. In Romans 12:18, Paul urges believers to live at peace with everyone, as much as it depends on them. This doesn’t mean avoiding conflict at all costs, but rather approaching differences with humility and a desire for understanding. In a world full of division, Christians are called to be agents of peace, standing as examples of how to disagree without hatred, to engage without hostility, and to love without limits.
Loving our neighbour is not just a passive attitude but an active pursuit. It involves seeking opportunities to serve, encourage, and support others. Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Our love for others is a powerful witness to the world, showing that we belong to Christ and that His love transforms us.
In a divided world, the most radical thing we can do is love unconditionally. It’s a love that seeks to build bridges, not walls. It’s a love that stands in stark contrast to the hatred and division that plague our society. As followers of Jesus, we are called to embody this love, breaking down barriers and demonstrating the power of Christ’s love to heal, unite, and restore.