At KCC, our mission is to be passionate followers of Christ Jesus who love and serve our neighbors in word and deed seeking to multiply hope and health in our communities. Last month I began sharing some reflections on our mission statement and I talked about what it means to be “a passionate follower of Christ Jesus.” This month, I want to focus on the next phrase, which says, “who love and serve our neighbors in word and deed.”
Unconditional and sacrificial love should be evident in the life of every believer. Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, he said to love God with all your being. He then went on to say, “The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).
In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the story of a religious leader who asked who his neighbor was. Jesus went on explain to him who his neighbor was by telling the parable of the Good Samaritan. Basically, our neighbors are anyone we encounter who are in need and whom we have the means to help. They may need help with a project, they may need some financial assistance, they may need something to eat, they may need counsel, they may need prayer, or they may have some other need. One of the ways we show love to our neighbors is by responding to the needs we see in their lives.
Jesus demonstrated this neighborly love as he lived his life on earth. Wherever he went, he was tuned into the needs of those around him. He shared the good news of salvation with those who needed to hear it. He fed those who were hungry. He prayed over the sick. He counseled those who needed guidance. He even humbled himself to wash his disciples feet.
In James 2:15-17 we read, “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
As we live out our mission statement, let us follow the example of Jesus and the commands of Scripture by “loving and serving our neighbors in word and deed.”
Your Shepherd,
Pastor Mark
