Living the Love That Changes the World
In Matthew 22:39 (KJV), Jesus gives us one of the most powerful and practical teachings in all of Scripture: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This command is not a suggestion, nor is it a shallow sentiment. It is a deep, transformative call to action—a way of living that reflects the very heart of God. But what does it really mean to love our neighbors? How do we embody this in a world often divided by differences and distrust?
First and foremost, true love mirrors God’s love. When Jesus speaks of “loving our neighbor,” He is inviting us to a love that emulates God’s own love for humanity—a love that is sacrificial, unconditional and active. It is the kind of love that doesn’t ask, “Do they deserve it?” but rather says, “Because God loves them, I will love them too.” Loving our neighbor begins with seeing them through the eyes of Christ—as deeply valuable, made in the image of God and worthy of honor and care.
Secondly, true love requires action. It isn’t passive. In the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus shows us that loving our neighbor means crossing boundaries, stepping into messy situations and meeting real needs with compassion. To love our neighbor is to feed the hungry, comfort the grieving, stand with the marginalized and lift the broken. It means looking beyond ourselves and becoming the hands and feet of Jesus in the lives of those around us. Simple acts, including a meal shared, a kind word spoken or a burden carried, can become profound expressions of God’s love when done in His name.
Third, in today’s world, loving our neighbor also means building bridges across cultural, racial, political and generational divides. It calls us to listen before we speak, to understand before we judge, and to forgive even when it’s hard. Loving our neighbor doesn’t mean agreeing with everything they believe or excusing wrong behavior. It means valuing the person, seeing their humanity and offering grace even when differences remain.
Finally, Jesus’ kind of love isn’t cheap. It costs time, comfort and sometimes even resources. It asks us to inconvenience ourselves, to prioritize people over schedules and to risk rejection or misunderstanding. But in doing so, we participate in the very mission of Christ—to bring reconciliation and hope to a broken world.
In a society searching for meaning and connection, the radical love that Jesus calls us to offer is a beacon of light. As we follow Jesus’ command in Matthew 22:39, may we be known not just by our words but by lives that love, serve, and bless—reflecting the love He first showed us.
By Carlton P. Byrd, D.Min.
President
