Who's My Neighbor? A Biblical Call To Love OthersSample

Do Everything In Love

Michael Houston

A few months ago, I ran across this passage from 1 Corinthians.  Chapter 16 is a letter to the church about traveling apostles and encouraging hospitality. Then, right in the middle of the passage, are these two verses. I think what caught me was how out of place they felt as I was reading the chapter. However, as I have come to find time and time again, nothing is out of place with God; it’s just me that needs an alignment. Sometimes two out of place verses can be exactly what we need.

Be on your guard; Stand Firm in the Faith  

I find this first declaration as important today as ever. With all the information bombarding us today, it is essential that we are ‘on our guard’ sifting through what is true or not. Technology has impacted society and our daily routines greatly, and with all we see today, this passage is a reminder to be on our guard and search for truth. As Peterson says in the Message, “Keep your eyes open…” One of the purposes of college, in my opinion, is to create critical thinkers. The skill of critical thinking is as valuable as any. Be on your guard, make sure you know what you see/read/post is true. Analyze the source and seek truth!

Be Courageous; Be Strong

Does this sound familiar to anyone? This section of the passage is repeated throughout the Bible over and over again. One of the most popular passages is found in Joshua 1:9. In Joshua we are implored DO NOT be discouraged, DO NOT be afraid...WHY?Because the Lord your God is with YOU wherever you go. It is not an accident that this statement is repeated. I know I need to hear this often, and not necessarily from the courage and strength standpoint, but from the notion that God is with US wherever WE go. WHEREVER! This should be comforting to all of us.

Do Everything in Love

I’m convinced that, however cliche it is, LOVE solves everything. Again this should not be surprising, and love is given to us throughout the story of God. What would your day look like if you were to do EVERYTHING IN LOVE? I think our days would look much different; I know mine would. If we only do one thing... we should do everything in love.