Sleepless nights and ever-growing eye bags with no end in sight! I often joke that I am being controlled by this little creature of mine – Asa Lin, my 3 month-old baby.
With every cry of his, I have to guess what he wants and subject myself to every of his whims and fancies to stop his crying. It is certainly within my ability to not care for him and allow him to continue crying. But within me, I do want to give my best for him and to create a favourable environment for him to learn and grow. Such intentions and feelings are my fatherly love for my child.
Upon reflection, I draw similarities between my fatherly love for my child and the meaning of love, but this pales in comparison to God’s love for all of us.
Understanding God's Love
God's love is often described as selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. This love transcends human comprehension, yet it is manifested clearly in God’s actions towards humanity. The greatest demonstration of God’s love is seen in the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As it says in John 3:16:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
God’s love is not earned; it is given freely to all, regardless of status or background. This love extends to everyone. In this way, God's love is unchanging and steadfast, always present despite human failings and imperfections.
The Call to Love Our Neighbour
The command to "love thy neighbor" is similar to the selfless love God demonstrates. When Jesus was asked which commandment was the greatest, He responded by summarizing the entirety of God’s law in two commands:
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)
To love our neighbour as ourselves means to treat others with the same care, compassion, and respect we desire for ourselves. This teaching is beautifully illustrated in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), where a Samaritan helps a wounded man while others pass by.
How Can We Love Our Neighbour?
Through Compassion and Kindness: One of the simplest ways to reflect God's love is by practising compassion and kindness. Ephesians 4:32 encourages, "“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
Being tenderhearted is the heart of loving others, allowing us to reach out with kindness even when it requires sacrifice. Kindness has the power to uplift, heal, and bring joy to others. To truly love our neighbour, we must put ourselves in their shoes and feel their joys and struggles. Whether it's through small gestures like offering a smile, a listening ear, or helping someone in need, kindness embodies God’s love in action.
Forgiveness: God’s love is a forgiving love. We are called to forgive others as we have been forgiven. Holding onto grudges and resentment hinders love. Matthew 6:14 says, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:”. Forgiveness is an act of love that can mend broken relationships and free our hearts from bitterness. Forgiveness heals and restores relationships, allowing love to flourish even after pain.
Practising Humility and Selflessness: True love is humble and selfless. Philippians 2:3 reminds us, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” When we prioritize others’ needs and desires before our own, we reflect the sacrificial love of Christ. Whether at work, home, or in our communities, humility allows us to serve others with genuine love.
Acts of Service: Love is not just an emotion; it is an action. Serving others, especially those in need, is a powerful expression of love. Whether through volunteering, helping a friend, or simply offering a listening ear, we mirror God’s love through service.
Developing a Heart of Gratitude: Gratitude is an important aspect of love. Recognizing God's blessings in our lives and showing appreciation for the people around us allow us to cultivate a spirit of love and thankfulness. When we live with gratitude, we become more aware of God's love in our lives, and it naturally overflows into our treatment of others.
Spending Time in Prayer and Reflection: Lastly, to truly reflect God's love, we must stay connected to Him through prayer and reflection. Regular prayer helps us to deepen our relationship with God and become more attuned to His will for our lives. As we spend time in His presence, we are filled with His love, which empowers us to share it with others.
Conclusion
It is through this love that we find our purpose, joy, and the strength to love others. Reflecting God’s love in our daily lives is a continuous process - one that requires intentionality and action. By practising kindness, compassion, forgiveness, humility and gratitude, we embody the love that God has so graciously given to us. In doing so, we not only transform our own lives but also become beacons of His love to those around us.
The command to love thy neighbour is much more than a moral obligation — it is a key to personal and communal well-being. By loving others, we build stronger relationships, experience emotional healing and promote unity. Whether through small acts of kindness or grand gestures of compassion, the benefits of loving others are far-reaching, transforming both our own lives and the people around us. Ultimately, when we choose to love our neighbours, we participate in a divine plan that brings fulfillment, joy, and eternal rewards.