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September 3, 2018

Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

Roy L. Heller   |   Read Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23

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Lectionary Week
September 3–9, 2018
Scripture Overview

It has become an uncomfortable subject for many in our society, but God does have ethical standards. The author of Proverbs declares that those who act unjustly, particularly if they oppress the poor, will provoke God’s judgment. The psalmist repeats the refrain that God blesses the righteous but is not pleased with those who choose a consistent lifestyle of rebellion against God. James challenges us practically on this point. Do we judge people by their wealth or status? This is not from God. Truth faith shows no partiality and prompts action. Jesus models this in Mark when he heals two Gentiles. Jews and Gentiles generally remained separate (an ancient form of racism), but Jesus did not discriminate based on their ethnicity. He cared only about their hearts.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23. How has God shown you that there is no difference between persons who are rich and persons who are poor?
• Read Psalm 125. When have you seen righteousness in someone your church or community has labeled “wicked”?
• Read James 2:1-17. How do your works support your faith in God?
• Read Mark 7:24-37. God calls us to love all our neighbors, no matter their abilities or place of origin. How can you be a good neighbor to those your community has excluded?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23

1 A good reputation is better than much wealth; high esteem is better than silver and gold. 2 The rich and the poor have this in common: the LORD made them both. 8 Those who sow injustice will harvest evil; the rod of their fury will come to an end. 9 Happy are generous people, because they give some of their food to the poor. 22 Don’t steal from the poor, because they are poor. Don’t oppress the needy in the gate. 23 The LORD will take up their case and press the life out of those who oppress them.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

In our twenty-first-century world, e-mail, social media, and 24-hour news sources connect us in ways unimaginable to previous generations. Our technologies and online lives bring us seemingly closer to one another than ever before possible. On the other hand, our hyperconnected digital lives often separate us from our physically closest...

Lord, help me know that my neighbor is just like me: known and loved by you. Amen.


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