Mark 12:31 in a global neighborhood

[Ken Pell]

Mark 12:31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. 'There is no commandment greater than these.

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about loving my neighbor in a global neighborhood. I am trying to work through what it means (for me) to wed global responsibility and love. I am not even sure I can articulate what is happening within me and I certainly do not think I have begun to work this out in a way that is authentic, effective, and Spirit led.

So I turn to you. I would love to know your thoughts on this.

What does it mean for you to love your neighbor in a global neighborhood?

I am looking forward to your responses.

[Susan Unger]

Mark 12:31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. 'There is no commandment greater than these.

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about loving my neighbor in a global neighborhood. I am trying to work through what it means (for me) to wed global responsibility and love. I am not even sure I can articulate what is happening within me and I certainly do not think I have begun to work this out in a way that is authentic, effective, and Spirit led.

So I turn to you. I would love to know your thoughts on this.

What does it mean for you to love your neighbor in a global neighborhood?

I am looking forward to your responses.

Good question....not sure I can articulate it either at this moment but did want to encourage you to keep on thinking.

[Hans Deventer]

What does it mean for you to love your neighbor in a global neighborhood?

The interesting thing here is that Jesus didn't talk much about this aspect. The neighbour was the one you met, who was at your doorstep, walked your street, knocked on your door. I still think that is and should be the main focus, understanding there are specific calls. And it's usually about your everyday life. The Good Samaritan didn't walk the road from Jerusalem up and down to check for casualties. He was on a business trip.

Having said this, I agree we increasingly live in a global village and our choices influence our neighbours overseas. The coffee one drinks, the bananas you buy, the clothes you wear etc. Not suggesting that it is limited to this, an awareness in this area would probably be included in loving our neighbour.

[Tami Martin]

If I ever get to the place where I have so saturated Jerusalem and Judea with my ministry, I'll start worrying about the uttermost places on the earth.

For now, I'm more and more convinced I'll never die as I'll never get done with the work God has set before me!

But seriously, I can pray and I can give to global ministries. Unless God calls me into foreign missions, that's about all I can do.

[Ken Pell]

The interesting thing here is that Jesus didn't talk much about this aspect. The neighbour was the one you met, who was at your doorstep, walked your street, knocked on your door. I still think that is and should be the main focus, understanding there are specific calls. And it's usually about your everyday life. The Good Samaritan didn't walk the road from Jerusalem up and down to check for casualties. He was on a business trip.

Having said this, I agree we increasingly live in a global village and our choices influence our neighbours overseas. The coffee one drinks, the bananas you buy, the clothes you wear etc. Not suggesting that it is limited to this, an awareness in this area would probably be included in loving our neighbour.

I have no problem thinking locally. But thinking globally (and systemically) is a stretch. To know that my local choices have an effect globally forces ME to rethink my actions and, indeed, "neighbor."

This should not be one at the expense of the other, if so, it is often easier for many to do something elsewhere than locally because the local aspect often demands more of a personal investment.

I am still open to answers.

[Ryan Scott]

If I offer a cup of cold water, I make sure it's from the tap and not a bottle, which uses up precious petroleum in its production and takes millions of years to decompose in our landfills.

[Susan Unger]

If I offer a cup of cold water, I make sure it's from the tap and not a bottle, which uses up precious petroleum in its production and takes millions of years to decompose in our landfills.

I'm sure that is what Jesus meant when he gave us that verse ;)

[Ryan Scott]

I'm sure that is what Jesus meant when he gave us that verse


Well, if I only had bottled water, I wouldn't refuse it, but we can think bigger, even when we're acting smaller.