Lately, I have seen some use the Jesus quote of loving our neighbor as ourselves out of context, and that is fine. I have been using the quote for decades. In fact, the quote has been in the New Testament for almost 2000 years. Yes, Jesus was not exclusive. Jesus was inclusive. Jesus basically was saying to love everyone. Love people, regardless of race, or gender orientation, and so on. I am sure we all get the picture. But, I wonder if people understand that this is a double-edged sword depending on how we apply it. Why is that, one might ask? Well, basically in today's seemingly polarized society, which I don't think is really so polarized because it's all mostly media hype, loving our neighbor also means loving those with different political views...etc. For instance, left wingers have to love right wingers, and right wingers have to love left wingers. Meaning, people who hate Trump have to love him, and so on. Non racist people have to love racist people, etc. I am sure everyone gets the picture. Basically, everyone is our neighbor. Jesus hung out with everyone, and he made no exceptions. Of course, he told everyone the truth. When he spoke to Pharisees, he said what he had to say. I am pretty much done explaining. Blessings and go out and love your neighbor as yourself! Of course, remember that loving God precedes the phrase.
This blog seeks to promote and establish ecumenism among all groups and denominations of the Christian Faith via expressions in written language, and through any means of communication. We seek the promotion of others that are working towards the same common goal, as well. The prayer of Jesus in John 17: 21 was: "I pray that they may all be one…." Ultimately and eternally, the creation of unity among all believers and followers of Christ is sought desiring harmony with and for all of humanity.
Basically, one cannot be selective with this, you will have to love people you don't really even like or you may even think are mean. Sorry!
ReplyDeleteHowever, there is a way out, if you hate yourself you get a license to hate, but I really don't think many qualify in this category.
ReplyDelete"How sad it is that we give up on people who are just like us."
ReplyDelete- Fred Rogers
By the way, I said this was a Jesus quote, but normally when Jesus spoke he quoted Scriptures. The quote is originally from Leviticus 19:18.
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ReplyDeleteIt was my own comment. I corrected a spelling error and shared it below.
DeleteTechnically, the 27 book canon of the New Testament wasn't official until the Council of Hippo in 393. The list had been already placed in a letter by Saint Althanasius previously in the year 367. The Gospels were written between 70 and 110 CE; consequently, to say 2000 years ago isn't so far off.
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