It seems that each day of the year can now be called,
something day, like Mother’s, and Father’s Day etc. Many of these may be
entertaining, yet they do give us a chance to show others, that we care. As we
enter into the month of February, and welcome Valentine’s Day, we should give
some serious thought to loving our neighbors. We at Master’s Hand Ministry have
invited people to celebrate this month as “Love Thy Neighbor Month”. It is a
very easy concept, yet for many a stretch from their comfort zone. In Luke
10:27NCV, we are told, “Love the Lord your God
with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength,
and all your mind.” Also, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
You see, God has given us two simple commands, and we can see the full context
if we read Luke beginning at 10:25.
We are not to do grand things and then tell people what we
did. Yet Jesus encourages us show He lives in us by the way we care for each
other. It may be as simple as a kind word or a caring ear. It could be buying a
coffee for a complete stranger, or a lunch for a friend. Men should love their
wives, and wives should love their husbands, and always live the vows you
shared. The lesson Jesus wants us to receive from this is that it is easier to
love, than to hate. Edify a friend, defend them to others in their absence.
Bear their stretcher in some small way. Take a simple lesson of the Samaritan
who helped the injured stranger where no one else would. The smallest of favors
for someone can and may just be the trigger to change a life.
Jesus demonstrated His ultimate love for us, by willingly
going to the cross. He knew what was in store, and He also knew that even His
reward for this love would be in Heaven. Through all the suffering that day
with one of His dying breaths he offered salvation to another on a cross, and
promised that they would be together in paradise. He also asked the Father to
forgive mankind, for they knew not what they were doing.
Reflecting on this, I hope that we will all take time this
month, and from now on, to love each other with just a little more sincerity.
The small price of a piece of chocolate, is a great way of loving God, and
loving each other.
Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca