In Matthew 22, Jesus was asked which is the greatest commandment. His response was profoundly rooted in the Old Testament. He quoted from the Shema found in Deuteronomy 6:5 – “ You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and with all your mind.” This command was widely known and accepted by the religious community. In other words, they expected that answer.
His second response, though, would have caught them off guard. He quickly adds, “And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” How in the world is loving your neighbor even remotely close to loving the Lord? After all, to love the Lord is easy, but to love your neighbor that’s often tough.
Here is what Jesus is saying: To love your neighbor is the tangible response to your love for God. It is one thing to say you love Jesus; it is quite another to show it. Your love for God is demonstrated by loving your neighbor.
If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar, for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.
I John 4:20
This Christmas at Hollywood Community Church, we want YOU to love YOUR neighbor. In other words, we want you to do something loving, compassionate and generous for YOUR “neighbors.” You may ask, “what should I do?” That is totally up to you. This is not a campaign in which we tell you what to do, but rather a sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit as you seek His guidance and His direction.
This Christmas, let’s be the heart and hands of Jesus as we love our neighbors in Jesus name!
His second response, though, would have caught them off guard. He quickly adds, “And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” How in the world is loving your neighbor even remotely close to loving the Lord? After all, to love the Lord is easy, but to love your neighbor that’s often tough.
Here is what Jesus is saying: To love your neighbor is the tangible response to your love for God. It is one thing to say you love Jesus; it is quite another to show it. Your love for God is demonstrated by loving your neighbor.
If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar, for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.
I John 4:20
This Christmas at Hollywood Community Church, we want YOU to love YOUR neighbor. In other words, we want you to do something loving, compassionate and generous for YOUR “neighbors.” You may ask, “what should I do?” That is totally up to you. This is not a campaign in which we tell you what to do, but rather a sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit as you seek His guidance and His direction.
- How many neighbors should you bless? However many the Holy Spirit puts on your heart.
- What should you give them? Whatever the Holy Spirit puts on your heart. Here are a few ideas…
- Financial gift
- A plate of cookies
- A gift card
- A loving act of service
This Christmas, let’s be the heart and hands of Jesus as we love our neighbors in Jesus name!
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Archive
2022
May
Tips for Family DevotionsTrain Up A ChildA Broken and Repentant HeartGod OpportunitiesDevelop the Habit of Bible ReadingWho is Your Neighbor?Returning to Worship after COVID 19Gazing on Jesus!Be Filled with the SpiritChurch United: Uniting the Church for MissionLet’s Impact Our Community!Back To School Advice from ProverbsLet’s Hit The Streets!An Explanation of the Changes to the HCC By Laws and Statement of FaithRedeemed!Faith and ObedienceLessons From Five Years Of MinistryThe “One Another” LifeReal Disciples Make DisciplesHCC Theological Survey: Is Church Attendance Essential for Spiritual GrowthHCC Theological Survey: What does the Bible say about Hell?HCC Theological Survey: With whom does salvation begin, God or us?HCC Theological Survey: Are there many roads that lead to Heaven?HCC Theological Survey: The Bible is 100% Accurate
July
August
God Is Looking Down In Love Psalm 11Dios Está Mirando Hacia Abajo En El Amor Salmo 11Blogging A Través De Los SalmosHow Majestic Is Your Name! Psalm 8God Is My Stronghold Psalm 9:9-10Dios Es Mi Baluarte Salmo 9:9-10Salmo 1: Bendecido, Floreciente y FructíferoA Biblical Sedative for a Sleepless Night Psalms 3¡Cuán Glorioso Es Tu Nombre! Salmo 8Psalm 2: Where to turn when the world seems out of control?Un Sedante Bíblico Para Una Noche De Insomnio Salmos 3 y 4
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