"Love your neighbor as yourself."
My folks would always use that line on me. The golden rule (aka the second greatest commandment); what does it mean?
What is the meaning behind the words? To the Christian faith, it means putting the needs of others before your own. That may even be what it means to those outside the faith. It's one thing to understand this though, than it is to put it into action.
James 2 goes into great depth about faith without deeds. "Faith without works is dead." So how do we live out our faith and love others? One great way is to serve. In the same way that service to the Church and to others is a way of serving God, it shows a horizontal love to our immediately and not-so immediately surrounding worlds.
Aside from service, loving others means simply putting them first. This could look like many things: you could have plans until your friend calls you needing some advice and the conversation leaves you missing out. You offer up your brand new jacket to your classmate who can't afford to replace the old raggedy one he has. Your coworker needs a 4am shift covered so that she can make it to class (yeah that one has happened to me more than once). LOVE = SACRIFICE! You give up yourself for the sake of others.
What are some ways that you love those around you? How do you put others first? I'd love to hear your comments!
Til next time!
