Scripture Reading: Romans 13:8–10

Introduction

A. Paul tells us that no quantity of learning, sacrifice, or even faith is of any value without love to accompany it (1 Corinthians 13:1–3).

B. In a day when most of us scarcely know our neighbors, God still demands that we love them as ourselves.

Discussion

I. To love my neighbor, I must first know who he is.

A. My brother is my neighbor (Leviticus 19:17–18).

B. Strangers are also my neighbors (Leviticus 19:9–10, 33–34; Luke 10:36–38; Matthew 5:44–47; Hebrews 13:2).

C. My neighbor is anyone to whom I choose to be neighborly.

II. What does loving my neighbor require?

A. Loving my neighbor requires generosity (Leviticus 19:9–10; 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:19–22; Ruth 2:14–16; Acts 4:32–5:10).

B. Loving my neighbor requires integrity (Leviticus 19:11–14, 35–36; Colossians 3:8–9).

C. Loving my neighbor requires equity (Leviticus 19:15–16; James 2:1–13).

D. Loving my neighbor requires purity (Leviticus 19:19–31; Deuteronomy 7:1–6; Acts 5:3).

Conclusion

A. Although the experts on the law missed it entirely, the whole of it was about love (Luke 11:42).

B. As we leave here today, let us try to think of new ways in which we can serve those around us and remember that genuine love can only proceed from a heart that is pure.