Living as a Caring Neighbour

NELSON NOLAND

Neighbors – IRS Images, 2025

Romans 13 teaches that Christians are called to show love to the people around them. The passage explains that faith is not only about knowing what is right, but also about how we live each day. Being a good neighbour matters everywhere. It matters at home, at the store, on the job, and in the community. God expects His people to respond to others with care, even when it is not easy.

Doesn’t this tell us that love is an ongoing responsibility. Financial debts should be handled wisely, but there is one debt that never disappears, the debt of love. When followers of Jesus see a need and can help, love calls them to act. People who do not think like us or live like us are still neighbours. Differences in culture, age, politics, or lifestyle do not remove the command to love.

The passage lists commandments such as not stealing, not committing adultery, and not coveting. These rules show how love behaves. Love does not harm another person. Love seeks their good. Loving others is a clear way to follow what God commands. When believers treat those nearby with kindness and fairness, they reflect the heart of God.

Christians are urged to live with urgency. Life is short and the time to do good is now. The future return of Christ draws closer every day, so believers should stay awake, alert, and ready to serve. Good news is only good if it is shared in time. A neighbour may need help or hope today, and delaying may mean a lost opportunity.

I want to walk as a child of the light.
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world.
The star of my life is Jesus.

The Scripture warns against living in darkness. Believers should not fall into habits that lead away from God, such as drunkenness, sexual sin, jealousy, and constant conflict. These actions damage relationships and weaken our ability to love. Instead, Christians are called to live in the light, choosing honesty, purity, peace, and right behaviour. The world notices when love replaces selfish actions.

Finally, the passage says to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” This means living each day with intention, allowing Christ to shape our choices. We should avoid situations that encourage sin and make decisions that help us follow God. Loving our neighbours is not only physical help, but also spiritual care. It means praying for them, sharing faith, and being present when life becomes difficult. When trouble comes, people often look to the neighbour who lives with hope and peace.

God places every person where they are for a reason. By living compassionately, urgently, rightly, excellently, and spiritually, Christians play a part in healing the hurt found in the world.

Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.

Romans 15:2

The Cross as the Lasting Proof of God’s Love

FLOYD ROGERS

The depth of God’s love was made clear when He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for humanity’s sins. No request a person makes in prayer, no matter how important it seems, will ever require a greater act of love than what God has already shown through the sacrifice at Calvary. The offering of Jesus was a selfless and unmatched gift, showing the extent of God’s care for people.

Since God has already given His greatest gift, every other blessing or need we bring to Him is smaller in comparison. This truth makes it difficult to doubt His love. When faced with uncertainty about God’s care or goodness, one need only reflect on the cross to see undeniable evidence of His love.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:16

God’s Perfect Love and Unchanging Holiness

FLOYD ROGERS

God’s nature is, above all, loving. Love is not something God does occasionally — it is a constant part of who He is. The Bible describes God as light, with no trace of darkness in Him. This means there is no evil, sin, or imperfection within God’s character. Everything about Him is pure, holy, and right.

Because God is completely holy and perfect, it is impossible for Him to act unjustly or harmfully toward any of His children. His holiness ensures that all His actions are good, and His love guarantees care and fairness. No situation would ever cause God to mistreat those who belong to Him.

This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

1 John 1:5

The Inclusive Love of Jesus

FLOYD ROGERS

No one is left out of Jesus’ love. It doesn’t matter where a person comes from, what language they speak, or what their background is. No race, belief, or past mistake can place someone beyond the reach of His care. Jesus welcomes every person, no matter their story.

When someone chooses to accept Jesus Christ, something powerful happens in their life. It starts by believing that Jesus is truly the Son of God, sent by the Father into this world. He gave His life on the cross, shedding His blood to pay for the sins of all people. When a person confesses this truth and receives Jesus as their personal Saviour, their life is made new.

Jesus did not come to judge or push people away. His purpose was to save, to bring hope, and to offer a new beginning to anyone who will receive Him.

For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.

John 3:17

Acting on Compassion: True Love in Action

AMY TURNER

When someone is cold or hungry, kind words alone won’t help them. James 2:16 reminds us that saying “stay warm and well fed” means nothing if we don’t do something to help. It’s easy to offer thoughts and prayers, and while those show we care, they don’t fill stomachs or warm homes. Real love takes real steps.

God gave us the perfect example. He didn’t just feel sorry for our struggles—He came down to us. He taught, He healed, and ultimately, He gave His life. That’s what the gospel is all about: love that acts. We are forever thankful that God didn’t just say He loved us—He proved it.

Look around your life. Is there someone who needs more than just your sympathy? Someone who will one day be grateful you chose to act and not just speak? Let your compassion move your hands and feet.

Little children, let’s not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

1 John 3:18