The Art of Neighbouringنموونە

Expanding the Horizon

We’ve spoken about the correlation between loving God and loving people, as well as the immense importance of modeling love as the church. However, we need to expand our horizons because God's love is not just for the Church but is intended for the whole world. Our calling is to invite the world in, to experience this love.

In the Bible, we see time and time again how the crowds were drawn to Jesus. Wherever He went people followed and wanted to see Him, hear Him, even touch Him. And why was this? 

Beyond His life changing message that offered hope, Jesus impacted the lives of those around Him. He felt genuine, authentic love for people, and that love was stirred to action. He did not hold back; He broke social barriers and norms; He stepped out, and as He did, He touched the lives of people that many considered unworthy. 

If we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus, who are we to remain in our holy huddles caring only for those whom we like or feel we are similar to? What about those in society who don't know Jesus, those who have been marginalized, those who are steeped in sin and need a message of hope, those who need to see love in action before they can hear about the love of Jesus? 

Jesus,  touched those who were deemed untouchable. He wept with those who wept. He saw the importance of young people where often the world looks down upon them in what they judge to be their folly. Each and every person was seen by Jesus—truly seen. He saw their lives experience; He took the time to reach out to them where they were, and His love resulted in actions—actions that demonstrated the love of God, and led the way for people to have a right relationship with God.. 

Prayer:

Jesus, forgive me where I have become insular in my relationships. Help me to remove the blinders that have been put up in my heart so I may see your people as you see them. Help me to truly see, hear, and engage with people outside of my frame of reference. I pray that my friendships may reflect the multifaceted nature of You. Help me to expand my horizons.