Love One Another

By Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret.

My world is made up of me, myself, and I. As a self-thinking, self-absorbed human being, we tend to consider ourselves as a world unto ourselves. In a sense, we consider all that we are, and do, and that happens to us as the most important thing in the world. In fact, the only thing in the world.

But there are millions of others in all parts of the world doing pretty much the same thing as me: sleeping, eating, drinking, talking, thinking, working, interacting with humans around them or me. What is different; are they worshipping the God who is? Or are they worshipping false gods?

There are many who are our neighbors. Many who rub shoulders with us. Many we know not at all. But many whom we are to love as we love ourselves simply because they are fellow human beings in God’s image. Red, yellow, black, and white. Many who are all potential recipients of God’s grace and mercy. Whosoever will may come!

All are potential children of the heavenly Father to whom we are called to witness. To the best of our ability, we are to seek opportunity to witness. Language is a barrier, but there are ways to overcome it. There are many to whom language is no barrier.

We never know whom the Holy Spirit will reach with our witness. That is our opportunity, the Holy Spirit is operational to all. We must open our mouth in love to all. Even if there will be only one opportunity, we should attempt to witness, because we know not who the Holy Spirit has prepared.

There is a way and manner in which to approach any man. We must perfect and provide an answer for the hope that is within us. Romans 1 tells us everyone knows there is a God, and the creation witnesses to all that He is.

So let us be always ready, always looking, always prepared to speak as long as we have a voice. Love your neighbor as yourself. Even the Samaritan, who is set upon by robbers, answered the question as to who is our neighbor. We can always know if God uses you to plant a seed, there will always be someone else to water.

Encouragement