Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with this question: “Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest Commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’

Matthew 22:34-40, NIV

What about the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke’s gospel?

Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.

Luke 10:25-37

Do you think that Jesus meant we should love our actual neighbors – those who live next door, behind us, or across the hall?

We may live in the most connected time in world history, but as a society we are as isolated as we have ever been. People drive alone to work, sit alone in an office, eat alone, drive home alone, and watch TV alone, all while our neighbors are doing the same thing.

Implicit in the Great Commandment is the admonition to break out of that isolation and walk across our yard or down the hall and make a connection to our neighbors – those who live closest to us.

This issue of SUMS Remix looks at solutions that will help you connect with and love your neighbors, and lead your church to do the same. The solutions include: 

• Be Intentional
• Be Aware
• Be Hospitable

Imagine people who love one another enough that they will not allow any need to go unmet, that they will be truthful enough to confront and encourage each other no matter what the cost. Picture a community that collectively finds joy even in the midst of tragedy. 

This is what happens when you love your actual neighbor.

Communities and cities can be transformed by the simple obedience of a small group of Christ followers who put others’ needs above their own.

Love your neighbors.

Lead your church to do the same.

SUMS Remix 63, released March 2017

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