This very important command is found in so many verses in the New Testament as it puts into action the Love that God has shown to us in Christ. If that Love was so powerful & engaging to us, the change effected in us, must also become practical to others. The question then is, 'How much do we love ourselves?' And it doesn't speak of us being vain, admiring ourselves in the mirror & entertaining useless thoughts of grandeur & of great worth to others. Rather, it reminds us that what we go through every day, is to ensure our survival on Earth & trying to foster happiness in our lives to overcome heartache & despair.
Do we feed & clothe ourselves? Do we engage in exercises of the body & mind to keep us healthy? Do we put some money away for our future & for our children? Do we have roofs over our head & appliances to help us in the home? And many other things that you might think of that apply to your well-being. In like manner, the love & care we give to ourselves & loved ones, must also produce from that same heart, both a sympathy & an empathy for those who may not be as fortunate as us, whether those immediately around us or in our cities (our neighbour) or in other countries, where hunger, disease, poor sanitary conditions, etc. are rife. Many would just say 'Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?' ( James 2:16), hoping that someone else will see to their needs. But the Love of Christ constrains us: that if see someone in need (especially a real need from no fault of their own), then it should not only be our hearts, tears & prayers that go out for them, but some real practical help that will make their lives a little better.
Some engage in full-time service to meet others' needs - I can't think of a better profession than this, as is to share the Gospel of Christ so that their empty, sinful hearts may also be healed & restored. This is true love shown to others.
Do we feed & clothe ourselves? Do we engage in exercises of the body & mind to keep us healthy? Do we put some money away for our future & for our children? Do we have roofs over our head & appliances to help us in the home? And many other things that you might think of that apply to your well-being. In like manner, the love & care we give to ourselves & loved ones, must also produce from that same heart, both a sympathy & an empathy for those who may not be as fortunate as us, whether those immediately around us or in our cities (our neighbour) or in other countries, where hunger, disease, poor sanitary conditions, etc. are rife. Many would just say 'Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?' ( James 2:16), hoping that someone else will see to their needs. But the Love of Christ constrains us: that if see someone in need (especially a real need from no fault of their own), then it should not only be our hearts, tears & prayers that go out for them, but some real practical help that will make their lives a little better.
Some engage in full-time service to meet others' needs - I can't think of a better profession than this, as is to share the Gospel of Christ so that their empty, sinful hearts may also be healed & restored. This is true love shown to others.
This comment thread is locked. Please enter a new comment below to start a new comment thread.
Note: Comment threads older than 2 months are automatically locked.
Do you have a Bible comment or question?
Posting comments is currently unavailable due to high demand on the server.
Please check back in an hour or more. Thank you for your patience!
Report Comment
Which best represents the problem with the comment?