We’ve seen that love for our neighbors is expressed, as Jesus did, by seeking, serving, and shepherding them any way we can. Love is the proof of our salvation, and we have opportunities to show it every day. Today’s excerpt from The Kingdom Turn explains the fourth and fifth expressions of neighbor love and is found on page 158:
“Fourth, we love our neighbors when we encourage and instruct them in the Word of God. After all, here is where they, too, can learn to love with the love of God. We want our neighbors to hear the Gospel, to become immersed in the study of Scripture, to be able to drink from the living waters of the well of God’s Word so that they are daily refreshed and renewed in Him.
“Finally, we love others when we are being a good steward of our time, treasure, talents, and attention in helping them know the love of Christ. By praying for people, planning the time we will have with them, staying alert to others while we’re with them, seeking the Kingdom of God no matter the context, and maintaining an active watch over our own souls, we may hope to increase in love for our neighbors and, thus, to enrich the treasury of their souls with the love of God.
“Just as we can grow in love for the Lord, so we must also strive to grow in love for our neighbors.”
For reflection or discussion
1. How would you explain to a new believer the best ways to keep growing in love?
2. Why is loving our neighbors such an important way of demonstrating the reality of the Kingdom of God?
We’re coming to the end of our study of The Kingdom Turn, and we’ve been making the point that the Kingdom has come, and we who believe in Jesus have been conveyed into it, so that love for God and our neighbors might be daily renewed. We must not lose sight of this most foundational fruit of the Spirit and evidence of the resurrection of our Lord. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to discuss what you’ve been thinking about loving your neighbors. A free copy of The Kingdom Turn awaits you in book or PDF form at The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
