The Love of Our Neighbor

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” MATTHEW 22:39

The second thing implied in our being altogether a Christian is the love of our neighbor. Our Lord said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If any ask, “Who is my neighbor?” we reply, “Everyone in the world; every child of His who is the Father of the spirits of all flesh” (see Hebrews 12:9). Nor may we exclude our enemies, or the enemies of God and of their own souls. Every Christian loves these also as himself, even as Christ loved us. If you would more fully understand what manner of love this is, consider St. Paul’s description of it (see 1 Corinthians 13:4–8). It is long-suffering and kind. It does not envy; it is not rash or hasty. It is “not puffed up”—not arrogant—but makes the one who loves the servant of all. Love does not behave indecently but gives all men and women their due. Love does not seek its own advantage, only the good of others that they may be saved. Love is not provoked to sharpness or unkindness to anyone. It thinks no evil. Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. It covers all evil which it knows of anyone. It believes all good things of others and puts the most favorable construction on everything. Love hopes whatever is for the best of anyone and endures whatever the injustice, malice and cruelty of others can inflict.

Wesley, John (2011-02-01). Renew My Heart (Classic Insights) . Barbour Publishing, Inc.. Kindle Edition.