Our Neighbors

Jesus took the command to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, and pushed the definition of who is our neighbor, out, out, and still further out, until it reached to the ends of the earth and included all of humanity - all of God’s children.

- Alvin Alexi Currier

I was reading an article by a well-known Christian writer, Brian McLaren, in which he discussed how important it is not to assess people according to their religious beliefs. Part of loving people unconditionally is working towards avoiding judgement and catagorization. He said catagorizing and judgement are a destructive illusion that seperates us from developing authentic relationships with our neighbors. He said he tries to respond lovingly to all people where they are at in time, as children of God. You can read his article at:

http://www.beliefnet.com/blogs/godspolitics/2007/01/brian-mclaren-religion-of-mass.html

Jesus truly loved everyone and everyone who met him responded to Him because his love was real. Jesus didn't love people because he wanted to prove he was a spiritual guy. He loved people because he is Love. Love is His Godly, spontaneous, authentic response to humanity.

When people met Jesus some folks hearts immediately flew to His Spirit. Others were drawn to Jesus' message because they were outsiders and outcasts who had been forced to see beyond cultural boundaries. Some neighbors were hungry for, and therefore open to, His Truth. Some neigbors experienced an inexplicable, spontaneous and heartfelt response to Jesus' amazing, unconditional Love. Everyone met Jesus in their own way. We still find our own ways to Him. And when we open our hearts and surrender our wills to Him, we are changed by the incredible, transformational nature of His Love.

Jesus loved everyone he met...even those who despised him. As Father God, he loved his children enough to die for all of them so all mankind can again be in loving, intimate spiritual relationship with God.