InspirationalLOVE THEY NEIGHBOR

Daily Inspirational Encouragement

LOVE THEY NEIGHBOR

By: Linda Kirby/WGON

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). We as Christians have a huge family, and family takes care of one another. We do it because we love our family members. However, with times being so hard these days, we often forget our family in Christ, and rarely stop and help one of them in need. Sometimes, when we do help, it’s to get a tax deduction or because we are expected to donate to some charity every year. Donations can be in money, time, work -- anything that will help another person. But, when did we last donate anything, or give to the homeless or a neighbor, in love? That is the way we are supposed to give ... in love. God will bless those who help people in need. "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). Don’t brag about your donation to the needy -- that's not what God wants from us. "[T]hat your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly" (Matthew 6:4). When you brag about the good you’ve done, your reward is people thinking well of you for what you did. However, when you give in secret, your reward is bigger here and in heaven. If we love one another, we will want to help those who aren’t as prosperous as we are and we will want to do it in love. This world has turned people against one another. We were warned by Jesus that in the last days, men’s hearts would grow cold (Matthew 24:12). Jesus said to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31) -- so, let’s remember this when we go past the homeless, or hear of a neighbor in need. Let’s show the love of Jesus through our actions.