A Pastors Perspective, Love Others
Southaven,Ms
Love others?
One day a Lawyer asked Jesus what the greatest commandment is, and He responded with this…
“And He said to him, ” ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Matthew 22:37-39 New American Standard Bible
Hmmm, love my neighbor as much as I love myself? That can’t be what He means. I’ll check another translation….
“A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Matthew 22:39 New Living Translation
Well, that’s not good, I’m looking for an escape clause; a way to avoid loving some people. Let’s look at the Amplified Translation…
“And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. [Lev. 19:18.]”
Matthew 22:39 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
That’s even worse!! What about Contemporary English…
“The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, “Love others as much as you love yourself.””
Matthew 22:39 Contemporary English Version
Yikes…apparently I’m doomed! I must love everyone! To that I say “some of you need to be more lovable, but I love you nonetheless.” Why? Because He said so, that’s why!
In summary, I love you as much as I love me!
And that’s the way I see it!
Pastor Mike
