Loving others can be easy or difficult. It all depends on the person. As Matthew 22:39 instructs, the second greatest commandment is to “love your neighbors as yourself.” I have to admit when I read this verse I think, “that is easy”. I have great neighbors! But, when I see that the word “neighbors” really means “anyone nearby”…yikes!  Let’s face it loving some people can be a real challenge at times. What about the person you work with that chewed you out in front of everyone? Yep…neighbor. Also under the “neighbor” headline are the person who cut you off on the highway, the person who got the promotion by selling your idea as theirs, and even the person who got in the 15 items or less aisle with a cart full. Wait, that was me. I’m so sorry! After all Jesus did say “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 4:44) So what can we do to love those nearby?

Jesus set the example by washing the feet of the disciples. Loving people requires that we humble ourselves and serve them. But, how? Look around. What needs to be done? Dishes? Yard work? Watchin their kids? Prayer? What would be most helpful? Sometimes loving your neighbor means a smile or a kind word. Sometimes it means more. You decide. What would speak love to those nearby?