Bible Study

Title: Love Your Neighbor
Date: Aug 24, 2005
Topic(s): Relationships
Scripture: Matthew 5:44, Leviticus 19:18, Luke 6:27, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

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"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" (Luke 6:27, ESV).

"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44, ESV).

"'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself'" (Leviticus 19:18, NIV).

Yes, God's commands are quite clear in the Scripture: Love your neighbor, and love your enemy. Who is your neighbor? Your neighbor is anyone with whom your life comes into contact. Who is your enemy? Your enemy is anyone that brings trouble, disillusionment, persecution, sadness or pain into your life. To sum it up, a Christian is to love everyone.

What Does God Say?

Sometimes love is an elusive word. How am I supposed to act to show love to others? We are given a good description in the Bible. Read the verses below, then make a list of all the characteristics of love it mentions.

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends" (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, ESV).

My Thoughts

Think of someone you would classify as your neighbor. Using the above list, do you think you really love them?

Now, think of an enemy. Are you following Christ's commands toward them?

My Part

Take this opportunity to thank God for His example by loving you unconditionally. Ask Him to help you love your neighbors and your enemies.

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