Love Your Neighbor?

I was simply going for a walk. I passed my neighbor's house, she was in her front yard and seemed angry. I'd never really met her but every time I walked by her house she would say something negative that let me know she was not happy to be there. I would smile and keep on walking. Suddenly, somewhere in my mind I heard the words, “Love you neighbor.”

“Love your neighbor.” Now what exactly does that mean? This particular neighbor showed no signs of friendliness and in fact totally intimidated me. Yet every time I passed the house I would hear the same directive “Love your neighbor.” I wanted to obey what I believed was the Holy Spirit’s directive so I began to pray for my neighbors as I passed their house, hoping that that would fulfill my duty to “love.”

“Love your neighbor.” It just wouldn’t go away. God seemed neither satisfied nor impressed with my prayers. “Go knock on the door and introduce yourself.” “But I don't want to! She intimidates me.” I responded to what I believed was the directive of the Holy Spirit. “Love your neighbor,” was all I could hear, so I hesitantly went up to the door.

On our first meeting she told me much about the difficulties she had experienced, “No wonder she seemed so angry,” I thought to myself. I also found out she was a Christian. She asked me to go to a prayer meeting with her. I was amazed at how she was transformed during her time of prayer and worship. It was as if a heavy weight fell off her. I was able to see her in a completely different light.

I had finally obeyed God prompting to “Love my neighbor” in the Spring. She died in the Fall of that same year. She had adopted four children who were left without a Mother. By the next year three of them were living with me. These children have taken permeate residence in my heart. “Love your neighbor.” I had no idea what that would mean.

Lord Jesus, Your word tells me that I am God's workmanship, and that I have been created in You for good works which God prepared in advance for me to do. Help me to be sensitive to the leading of your Spirit. When You tell me to “Love my neighbor” help to simply obey.