Loving God...But Are We Loving Others???

This evening, our Collegiate class study was focused on a couple of the Nooma series videos by Rob Bell. The one that has been stuck in my head is the one entitled Bullhorn. The thought I am hit by is that we are called to love God and also to love others, right? In Matthew 22:36-40, we find them asking Jesus..."Master, which is the great commandment in the law? (37) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (38) This is the first and great commandment. (39) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

I know it seems easy to understand the loving God part, right? But what about the one whose opinion or lifestyle isn't what you agree with, or even detest? Are we supposed to treat them with contempt? Or are we to love them the same?

I am reminded of the passage in John 8, when the scribes and Pharisees brought the adulterous woman in, seeking for her to be condemned and stoned. What was Jesus reaction? Was it to put her down...shun her for her lifestyle...or to simply show love? In verse 8, He states plainly "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."

Too often, I am afraid we are trying to clean people up to bring them into our "church" environment. But, I am reminded of the illustration made by Mike Warnke back in his '80's comedy..."do we have to clean up for a bath?" The answer...simply put is no. We aren't called to clean up sinners, but simply reach out with the love of Jesus.

The verses say it clear enough, don't they? "...love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind...love thy neighbour as thyself"...Let's look at others today through the loving eyes of our Lord and Savior.

Remember what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:21..."I am made all things to all men , that I might by all means save some." May that be our goal and our outcome...to save some...

What are your thoughts on this subject??? Would love to hear your take on this subject...

Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!