Love Like Jesus
"Yes, indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures. 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God's laws. For the same God who said, 'You must not commit adultery,' also said, 'You must not murder.' So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law. So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you." James 2:8-13 NLT
We love like Jesus by doing the will of the Father. Jesus never met every need, and He loved everyone equally, He simply did the will of the Father. Truly, love is not displayed the same for everyone because needs differ.
Always best to ask God, "How do You want me to love this person in my midst?"
The most loving statement to the person who covets is "No." And God will give you this conviction if the situation presents itself. That loving "No" reinforces the 10 commandments, "Have no other gods before God." God is Jehovah Jireh. He is the One who provides and His provision is not performed by robbing one of blessing in order to give to another. God does not have to do that, as His riches are unlimited - Philippians 4:19. Those who covet others' blessings have eyes off of Jesus Christ and are idolizing their desire. Pure love redirects focus, while establishing boundaries.
Unfortunately, many in the church are taken advantage of "in the name of love," with people holding unjust expectations of others to do work for them for free or to give to them - with the statement "God will bless you for this." It then becomes a guilt-trip and is not loving to the one being demanded of. God, speaking through Paul in 2 Corinthians 8:13 says, "Of course, I don't mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality." If God gives you the ability, the time, the finances and desire, then do so. But if you do not have peace, take heed. Honestly, God only blesses that which He calls us to, thus spiritual discernment is needed. Love does say, "No."
While at the same time, the most loving response to the humble in need is, "Yes." Ultimately, "Yes" to God and what He is calling you to do. We do not love based upon man's demand, we love according to God's command. And we seek Him first in how to love those around us.
As we are living in end times, people will increase in being lovers of self, which is narcissism. They will not care about the cost on you, as long as they receive what they want. There are many controlling, manipulative people in the world today demanding love the way they want to be loved, and it's burdensome not a delight. You might not even know this person, and they have placed an expectation on you - a burden -that is idolatrous. In that case, the most loving response is "No."
Favoritism is a heart issue. It is not favoritism if you give to those you know (financially, gifts, or attention), and do not give to those you do not know. That's reality. Favoritism is when you focus more on someone because of your personal purpose, while neglecting those around you. God places people in your everyday life for a reason and does keep others away for a reason.
When we love our neighbor according to the 10 commandments, we:
- Do not steal from our neighbor - we do not steal their physical property or their intellectual property. We respect what belongs to them. (God says those who make a practice of stealing, "thieves" do not go to heaven - 1 Corinthians 6:10)
- Do not lie - we share the truth in love. Lies psychologically abuse the people around us, undermining the church in having unity of mind - the mind of Christ.
- Do not commit murder - we do not perform hate acts or crimes that tear down or destroy the person God created in His image. We do not abuse people, as that is a slow murder which ends in hell - 1 Corinthians 6:10. We do not curse them physically or financially (as murderers and those who curse are in danger of the fires of hell - Matthew 5:22).
- Do not commit adultery - we do not sexually assault people, respecting their whole person. We do not steal another person's spouse. We do not entice people of the same sex to perform sexual actions. Those habitually living in sexual immorality are headed to hell - 1 Corinthians 6:9, and the robbery of one's spouse causes God to take vengeance on the offender - 1 Thessalonians 4:6.
- We do not covet the spouse or land of our neighbors. God says a covetous person is idolatrous, worshiping the things of this world - Colossians 3:5.
- We also honor the Sabbath day by not expecting our neighbors/spouses/employees/friends to constantly work 24/7 so we have it easier. Everyone needs a day of rest and that includes rest from work and people's demands.
When we obey God's commands, we are loving our neighbor as ourselves. Many today are merciless, and show no mercy to the weary. The merciless will receive no mercy. But to those who show compassion, God will be merciful to you.
Prayer: Abba, open my eyes and ears to how You want me to love those in my midst. In Jesus' name, Amen.
