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5 Ways to Love Your Neighbor Like Yourself

The outreach and missions pastor at Calvary Chapel Oceanside shared this week his heart for believers across the country, and his church congregants particularly, to love on their neighbors during this time of shelter in place. Even though some states are getting back to less time at home with some businesses opening back up this week, he really encouraged us to remember the place God had us...literally, at home 

Jesus uttered the precious words, 

                 " The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment
                                                             greater than these." Mark 12:31

In a world raging with bold proclamations of self care and high self-esteem, you might be shocked that Jesus would tell us to love our neighbors like ourselves. We live in a world that tells us we don't love ourselves enough and yet here we find Jesus telling us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Why?

He knows we love ourselves SO much!! We meet our needs first. We know our bodies best. We do everything for ourselves and then are angry if someone imposes on our plans or doesn't help us meet our time frame of what we think is most important at any given time in all of life. 

We are selfish and self centered and we think about ourselves SO much that we don't think we think highly enough of ourselves...and you know it's all pride. 

But I digress and I'm not typing up a post on humility or the pride spectrum today! 

So, How can we love our neighbors like ourselves. I promised you 5 Ways!! 

Here you go!

1.Take them a meal:

Whether a meal or a treat, it's always so nice to be loved on with food. Just last week I had 2 different people leave me a meal. One needed a tiny bit of preparation and both came with dessert for the entire family! Some weeks I can make an extra meal for someone else and sometimes I'm struggling to get food on the table for my own family. You know what you can always do though? Send pizza delivered to someone's home. You probably even know your neighbors address! 

2. Give them a gift card to a local mom and pop:

Businesses are struggling. Even a $25 gift card to a local eatery can put a dent in most bills at an average restaurant. Plus you are supporting local business who really need your help right now too.

3. Pay for their gardener for a week or pull their weeds:

Pride of ownership is something we all want in our neighborhoods and most work to achieve, but it is a ton of work and even just a little big of help would always be appreciated. 

4. Bring them a coffee when you drive thru to get yourself one:

I know some of you are still driving through everyday for your caffeine fix. Why not just grab some extra coffees for your neighbors to show a little extra love?

5. Offer to pick up their groceries when you are out so they don't have to go to the store:

Food and supplies have been a real issue for people as of late. If you are headed to Costco you can ask a neighbor if they want to split the paper towels or pick up extra bagels for them. Going to the store is really stressful for some people because of Covid-19 and you never know if just bringing back a gallon of milk for them will make their day and save them a stressful trip!

Being kind and generous are traits Christians should aspire to have all the time. They are especially valuable in our Christian witness when others are being cranky and stingy. Jesus means for us to be set apart for his good work. The second greatest commandment after loving God with all we have is to love our neighbors as ourselves. 

How can we be more loving to our neighbors today? How can we bless them and share Christ today? Will it always be something on the bottom of our to do list or will we be Christians of action reaching out and obeying the commands of our Savior? 

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This post was written by Nickole Perry, co-founder and Director of Operations at Cedar Creek Ministries. 

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