What is Love?
Love is one of the greatest virtues, and it reflects God’s own love for us. While we acknowledge that loving others is important, we often struggle with it. However, true love for God cannot exist without love for others. As the Bible says:
“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.” – 1 John 4:20
Jesus also emphasized this in Matthew 22:39-40 when He commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves, stating that all the Law and the Prophets hang on this commandment.
Two-Fold Love for Others
Who is Our Neighbor?
Our neighbor includes everyone around us, both believers and unbelievers. Loving our neighbor is not selective; it extends to all people, regardless of their faith or background.
Love for Our Neighbor is Two-Fold:
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Civil Love (for Unbelievers) – This is the love we show to non-believers as part of our duty to reflect Christ’s love in the world.
- Deuteronomy 10:19 – “Love the foreigner residing among you, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”
- Matthew 22:39 – “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
- Leviticus 19:33-34 – “When a stranger resides with you in your land, do not mistreat them. You shall love them as yourself.”
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Holy Love (for Fellow Believers) – This is the special bond and deep love shared among Christians.
- Galatians 6:10 – “Let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
- 1 John 3:14 – “We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers and sisters.”
Why We Must Show Love to Unbelievers
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They Are God’s Creation – Every human being is created by God and holds value in His sight.
- Psalm 33:6 – “By the word of the Lord, the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of His mouth.”
- Colossians 1:16 – “For in Him all things were created.”
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Our Love Can Lead Them to Christ – Showing genuine love can be a catalyst for an unbeliever’s salvation.
- 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 – Paul speaks of becoming “all things to all people” so that some may be saved.
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It Fulfills the Law – Loving others is not just an option; it is a command that summarizes God’s will.
How to Show Love to Your Neighbor
- Looking Out for Their Well-Being – Philippians 2:4 – “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.”
- Sharing in Their Joys and Sorrows – Romans 12:15 – “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
- Acting with Compassion – Proverbs 3:28 – “Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you,’ when you already have it with you.”
- Forgiving Them – John 13:34 – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
- Praying for Them – James 5:16, John 6:44, 2 Timothy 2:25
Conclusion
Loving those who do not share our faith is essential. Your love and testimony may be the only representation of Christ they see. How you treat them can influence their perception of Christianity. By demonstrating true, Christ-like love, you can plant the seed that draws them closer to God. Let your life be a testimony of God’s love, and through it, you may lead others to Christ.