Quote:
Originally Posted by OBW
What is loving your neighbor as yourself? What you mention here is potentially only a part of what you think would encompass that command. But it is not stated in that way.
I note that there are a lot of people that think of loving their neighbor only in terms of how they share the Word with them, preach the gospel to them, help them become more Christ-like, etc. .. it would seem that giving food to one of the "least of these" is part of loving neighbor. And Jesus didn't say that you should feed them and teach them some good teachings. Just feed them.
So why, when the discussion turns to loving your neighbor as yourself, does our talk turn to preaching the gospel or sharing the Word? Seems that the command to "justice" is about food, shelter, and righteous interactions, not preaching and teaching. And surely the command to justice is a significant part of loving your neighbor as yourself.
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Of course, Jesus gave actual food to actual people, not just Bible expositions. He healed actual sick people. But the giving and healing were not of themselves, but rather evidences of the coming kingdom of God which He incessantly proclaimed. So what I do is point to the Healer and Giver. I myself am not so much, but I do attempt to follow. And yes that involves doing things, as well, or at least trying.
But Jesus' focus was on the Father's kingdom. "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done", and "Thy will be done not Mine" were his speaking. Likewise as Paul said, we don't preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord.
Simply put, this is what interests me. Something else may interest someone else. So I selfishly pursue my joy, and if I get too much then I share my joy, and that is to see Jesus Christ, without which food or shelter would be plain things, indeed.
But speaking without works, or without substance, is bland as well. Yet what works I do, merely give motive force to the speaking - the works are for the speaking and the speaking is for the kingdom. "If you do not believe Me, believe the works themselves." Because the works are speaking forth the arrival of the Father's kingdom.