“Love thy neighbor”.  I think of this verse often, and try to be intentional about living it. My neighbor love is generous and pleasing to me. I mean to God.  Or so, I tell myself.  I always say yes when the grocery store clerk asks me to add a dollar or two to my bill. I always buy whatever any child is selling. I give something to every homeless person I pass by, unless I have to get out of my car or make a U-turn to deliver it.  I never sell anything. Instead I give everything away.  I’m always available to listen with a sympathetic ear… except when I’m not.  My motto is “serve and give”. That’s me, spreadin’ the love.

The problem is, I’m spreading it too thin.  My neighbor love is fluff.  It flows from my extra, not from my neighbor’s need.  It’s a factor of what’s convenient for me. That kind of love may be better than nothing, but it won’t change the world.  It isn’t the love that Jesus was talking about. He didn’t come and encourage us to dip our little toe, He came and admonished us to be bold. So dive in.  Decide what, to whom and how to give love; then do it with gusto. Real love requires intention and effort, and is rarely convenient.  Neighbor love should be given freely out of a desire to please God, not out of a desire to feel pleased with oneself (OUCH).  Loving one’s neighbor is simple, but not easy.

If you are looking for an organization that has love as its mission, try reading about Safe Families. The organization is set up to positively impact the lives of families in need.  htere are several different levels of engagement to plug in, and start loving!  You are welcome!

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