A true believer who abides by the Law of God’s love, cannot live a life of selfishness, limiting his love within the boundary of himself or his family alone, for it is the divine commandment that our love should be extended, as John writes, “And this is the commandment that we have from him: the person who loves God must also love his brother” (1 Jn 4:21). In his epistle, Apostle James highlights the quality of the love of neighbor as the love one extends to one’s own self: “Nevertheless, you are doing the right thing if you obey the royal Law in keeping with the Scripture, ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Jam 2:8). The parable of the Samaritan is set as an example for measuring the love we have for one another, as Jesus narrates: “But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him” (Lk 10:33-34). If we declare that we love our God who is true and living, then we are duty-bound to extend our love to those in need.

Abba, thank You for reminding us of the necessity to extend our love. Let Your Spirit make us see the others as part of God’s family, in Jesus’ Most Wonderful Name, Amen.