Loving A Neighbour

Sunday, September 9, 2018
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Mark 12:31a – The second is equally important: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (NLT)

The note was attached to the door; the decision had been made.

At nine years of age, he was doing what most boys his age did in the summer: romping and playing — until his sister noticed how yellow his eyes were. She ran inside to tell their mother, who took him to the emergency room. The local hospital transferred him to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Two days later, he had a new liver.

This family were our neighbours, but we knew nothing about their tragedy. We only knew that we hadn't seen anyone home for three weeks. Initially, their youngest son did well. Then his body began rejecting the liver. They made several trips back and forth to Charleston, and each time, we waited for an update.

During their last trip, my wife noticed the local power company taping a notice to their door. She knew what it was, caught the deliverer of bad news, and asked how much the bill was. The mom had not been able to work due to the circumstances, and the dad had missed numerous days himself. If $450 weren't paid by the next day, their power would be turned off.

"Why don't we take a love offering at church?" my wife asked. Since no one but us knew the family, I didn't know how the people would respond, but I decided to take a chance. We'd had the child on our prayer list. On Sunday morning, the church gave $406. When I announced the total at the evening service, the remaining balance was quickly received. As soon as the power company opened Monday morning, my wife paid the balance.

Loving my neighbour is a good feeling — whether they live right beside me or not. Doing so also helps me to obey what Jesus termed the second greatest commandment. Only loving God with my entire being surpasses it.

Opportunities to love my neighbour — whoever and wherever they might be, abound. But like my wife, I must be attentive to the working of God's Spirit in my innermost being if I'm to see them. If I live life selfishly, I'll miss most, if not all, of the opportunities that God sends.

Let's ask God to open our eyes so that we can see opportunities to love our neighbour.

Prayer: Father, enable us to love others as passionately as You love us. Amen.

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About the author:

Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    What happened to the little boy?


    Thanks, Martin, for sharing this devotional reminder with us. Blessings.


    Thanks for a good reminder today Martin.
    Blessings.


    What a wonderful, inspiring story. All because, He paid the price, for us!
    Thanks for sharing.


    Thank you Martin for your Devotional this morning Loving A Neighbor. It touched my heart to see Love in Action, and I thanked God also for you and your wife’s sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Blessings to you all.


    Greetings Martin,
    Thanks for another very meaningful devotional. Loving our Lord and loving our neighbour – very important commandments to adhere to.
    Blessings to you.
    (B.C.)


    Hello Martin,
    I often read your postings in the PCC Daily Devotional. I have been a minister in the PCC for many years. I enjoy your columns.
    Today I am left in suspense. Your neighbour’s child? With the liver transplant? Did he make it? I hope so. Your column suggests, maybe not. Thank you for collecting the love offering to pay the power bill. Thank you. When love is shared it touches us all.
    Thank you.


    Love your neighbor. I can do very well. Love doing things for people and paying forward is so much fun. BUT as yourself?? Even at the old age of 89, I, still have a terrible time, Loving myself. But it has guided me to help the children who are not treated fairly. So good has come out of it! I know it all stems back to my childhood, days. I just could not do anything, well, enough for my mom. And hers stems back to her Dad. I have done a lot of Bible study’s where I know God loves me and I am good. One time we even did the Johns, in a Bible study, but what you have been raised with, does not leave very easy.
    Love your messages.
    Thank you.


    Such a touching reminder we all need. God bless you Martin!


    Martin,
    Great example of LOVE IN ACTION.
    (CA)


    A compelling devotional. Thank you Martin Wiles.

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