Love your neighbor as yourself – Matthew 22:39
- Kristin Smith
- Feb 9
- 2 min read
"And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" – Matthew 22:39
Devotional Reflection
Loving God and loving others are inseparable. When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, He didn’t stop at loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind—He immediately followed with the second greatest command: Love your neighbor as yourself.
This command is simple in words but challenging in practice. Loving others means extending the same kindness, grace, and compassion that we desire for ourselves. It calls us to move beyond self-interest, inconvenience, and comfort, choosing instead to reflect God’s love in every interaction.
True love for others is not just a feeling; it is an action. It is listening when someone needs to be heard, offering help when it is needed, forgiving even when it’s hard, and seeing the image of God in every person we encounter.
Who in your life needs to experience the love of Christ through you today? Let this command be more than words—live it out in how you treat others.
Inhale Truth, Exhale Trust
Breath Prayer: (Inhale) Teach me to love…(Exhale) As You have loved me.
How to Practice a Breath Prayer: Find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably and take a few deep breaths to settle your heart. As you inhale, silently pray the first part of the phrase (e.g., “Teach me to love…”), and as you exhale, pray the second part (e.g., “…as You have loved me.”). Repeat the prayer slowly for 2–5 minutes, allowing God to shape your heart toward selfless love.
Practical Application
Examine Your Heart: Take a moment to reflect—are there areas in your life where you struggle to love others well? Ask God to soften your heart and help you see people as He sees them.
Love in Action: Choose one intentional way to love your neighbor today—whether through encouragement, service, generosity, or simply being present.
Extend Grace: Think of someone who has been difficult to love. Pray for them, and ask God to give you the strength to love as He commands.
Journal Prompt
How does Jesus’ command to love others as yourself challenge you? In what practical ways can you show love to those around you today?
Closing Prayer
Father, You have loved me with an everlasting love, and You call me to love others in the same way. Help me to see people through Your eyes, to love without condition, and to reflect Your grace in my actions. Let my love be more than words—let it be real, sacrificial, and true. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Invitation to Live with Truth, Goodness, and Beauty
Love is more than a command—it is the mark of a heart transformed by Christ. Let your love be seen in action today, pointing others to the goodness of God.
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