"Love your neighbor as yourself" ~ Mark 12:31

 Most of us have wondered at one point or another -- "What is the will of God for me in this situation?" 

If you were to sit down and talk with Jesus... His answer would be to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.  So, if you and I are going to filter our life through this verse -- If we are make this our starting point for every dilemma.  The real question we are left with isn't what is the will of God for my life (we know that now).  The real question we wrestle with is; "What does love demand?"

When Jesus said, "love your neighbor as yourself" - He meant it!  

Jesus doesn't hold you responsible for everyone in the world -- only those who He puts in your path.  My neighbor Mark is in my path, and so are my colleagues, so is my family.  When God puts someone in my path I cannot overlook or step over them as if they are not there.  I know they are there, and I'm forced to deal with it - because God has put them there.  

God has put them there!

I must walk to them -- not away from them... because love demands it! 

This is why we need to pray daily for that one person that God has put in our path who is far from HIM...  Yesterday, I encouraged you to pick one person and pray for them by name for 30 days..... Today is day 2 -- so pray something like this:

Father, ___(Insert name here)______ is my neighbor.  I understand that I am called to love _____________________as myself.  The most loving thing I can do for them is pray for their soul.  To pray that they would come to sense the love of Christ for them.  Lord, please soften _______________________'s heart and please give me the boldness to love them as I love myself.  Help me, help them see You.  -- In Jesus name, Amen.

I am praying for you as you love your neighbor today!

PD