The Second Command – Thou Shalt Love Thy Neighbour as Thyself

1. This is the same question that was asked by another in the Bible.

2. In Luke 10:29, a lawyer, after understanding the first and second command, asked “Who is my neighbor?”

3. In response, Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan. Luke 10:30-35 (Read)

4. Then Jesus asked this man, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?”

5. He answered, “He that showed mercy on him.”

6. We learn from this parable that a neighbor isn’t just someone next door.

7. A neighbor is anyone who is willing to help in time of need.

8. And in a twist of the old proverb, if we want to have neighbors, we need to be a neighbor.

1. Today many people define love as having deep emotions for another person.

2. Is that how the Bible defines the word?

3. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 teaches us what it means to love. (Read)

4. Love, then, isn’t merely having deep emotions for someone, but seeking their highest good.

5. Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

6. Do we have this kind of love toward our neighbor?

1. You may be thinking in response to this question, “All the time!”

2. That would be correct. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loveth at all times….”

3. However, love doesn’t just feel, as we noted above; love acts!

4. So when do we act upon our love for our neighbor?

5. First of all, when we have the opportunity. Galatians 6:10 says, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

6. Second, when we know to do good. James 4:17 states, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

7. Third, when there is a need. Acts 2:45 says, “And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.”

1. Privately at home. Our society would be a lot better off if we recognized that loving our neighbor begins at home.

1) There is the temptation to think that when I am home, in my own house, that I may do what I wish.

2) There is no such excuse in Christianity.

3) Husbands are to love their wives (Ephesians 5:25).

4) Wives are to love their husbands (Titus 2:4).

5) Parents are to love their children (Ephesians 6:4, Titus 2:4).

6) Children are to love their parents (Ephesians 6:1-2).

7) I fear that there is a great dearth of loving our neighbor in our very homes.

2. At work.

1) Our co-workers are our neighbors.

2) This includes bosses, subordinates, and peers.

3) John 13:35 says, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

3. At play.

1) It is tempting when we go on vacation or engage in recreation to just think of self.

2) Psychologists talk about having “me time.”

3) There is no such exclusive time with the Christian.

4) Philippians 2:3 states, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

4. In public. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

5. Wherever we may be that is the place to love our neighbor.

1. The parable of the Good Samaritan gives us one answer to this question – by showing mercy.

2. Paul tells us to keep God’s commands is showing love for neighbor, “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13:9-10).

3. Love will also compel one to tell others the message of the gospel. It so compelled God! John 3:16.

4. If we love our neighbor we will respect God’s commands and teach them the truth about their salvation.

1. Because God commands it. James says it is the “royal law.” “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well” (James 2:12).

2. Because it is the natural result of practicing the golden rule. Jesus said, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them…” (Matthew 7:12).

3. Because it promotes peace and harmony among men. Romans 12:8 teaches, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

4. Because it is simply the right thing to do.