asbc seek devotionals 2025 2 - Flipbook - Page 30
DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL | ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH
Day 13: Like a Good
Neighbor
MIN. RASHAD M. ROBERTS, M.DIV.
“And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
– Matthew 22:39 NRSV
This past year, the world witnessed unrest between Israel and Palestine. At the height
of the conflict, several countries called for a ceasefire. I, like many of you, saw the
devastation, contributed funds, signed petitions, and showed up to protests.
In this passage, Jesus prioritizes loving God and his neighbor because of the
hierarchical social structure that favors some. When we consider loving our neighbor
(brother/sister) as ourselves, it is imperative that we remove the emphasis on our
needs, what our love languages are, or how we can benefit. Phileo, a brotherly/sisterly
love, is not self-centered, but thrives on empathy and consideration of others.
To be a good neighbor, we should seek to understand how our neighbors (brothers
and sisters) receive and need to be loved. For someone, that may be a simple hello,
acknowledging their existence; for a sister, it may be a few dollars to get a meal; to a
brother, it may be a listening ear; for a child, it may be advocating for their wellbeing,
and to another, it could mean that you show up on the frontline to protest the actions
of governments.
JOURNAL
REFLECTIONS
In what ways do my neighbors
desire to be loved?
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PRAYER
Most gracious and eternal Lord, it is our prayer that the
Holy Spirit will guide us as we endeavor to show love to
our neighbor. May the love we have for you and ourselves
be evident in how we love others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
