ODJ: silent love
October 24, 2011
Show your fear of God by not taking advantage of each other. I am the Lord your God (v.17).
READ: Leviticus 25:1-22
My wealthy neighbor decided he no longer wanted to pay his mortgage, so he left our neighborhood for a larger home. His former house has gone into foreclosure, which lowers the value of my home, for foreclosed homes normally sell far below what the market is dictating. He also stopped paying his association dues for the upkeep of our neighborhood—causing me and other neighbors to have to pick up the cost. My neighbor would deny that he has done anything wrong, but his selfish act has stolen money from the people in my community.
Loving your neighbor means offering a friendly wave when you pass on the street or lending a hand during a heavy snowfall. But that counts little if you break the most basic promise to pay your mortgage and to protect the property values of your neighborhood, simply out of personal convenience.
The Old Testament commanded Israel to “not defraud or rob your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:13), and Paul added, “Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law” (Romans 13:10).
I can plainly see how my neighbor has let me down (Leviticus 25:17), but I wonder how I’ve been unloving toward others. Do I pull my weight with household chores, bring my share to potluck dinners, and fill my role on the team?
I also have a new appreciation for the unspectacular, persistent love of others. Perhaps you had a dad who didn’t write eloquent notes of tender love, but he worked hard to provide a roof over your head and food on your plate. That was his way of loving you, with a love more solid than flowery words.
Nothing says love like the dependable, daily act of showing up. Love your neighbor and, if necessary, use words. —Mike Wittmer
Who has loved you in such a quietly dependable way that you failed to recognize it? Let them know that you do!
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