Neighbors!

For Sunday, May 19, 2024:

Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT: “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus, telling everyone to be nice, treat others kindly and to live harmoniously. We would be wise to appropriate his teaching for the entire world!

Paul is following Jesus’ example, who was following his Father’s example. Did you ever stop and think – pretend with me for just a minute – what the world would be like if everyone followed Jesus’ example? Everyone would get along. Everyone would be nice, kind and considerate. There would be no more disagreements between countries. Wars would vanish!

There is enough food in the world for everyone, but we can’t seem to work out the logistics. In the US, food spoils daily and we simply throw it away. We have more. In other countries, children are dying for a lack of nutrition. We know that we need to get food to those who desperately need it. But various laws, countries and border lines prevent this from happening! As a human race, we could do better!

We are to love our neighbor as ourselves, so let’s define neighbor. The category is broader than it first appears. I believe that anyone you interact with is considered your neighbor and should be treated fairly and honestly. That’s what Jesus would do!

Jesus did a lot of favors for people he just met!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship