December 2018

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:31

We often use the word “love’ very loosely. We “love” our personal belongings, favorite entertainers, food and the list goes on and on. When used in this manner, it can seem to diminish the significance of such a powerful word as “love”.  Then there are the moments we use the word “love” in the context of our intimate relationships known in the Greek as Eros. In this context “love” has regained its power as we are most vulnerable in the Eros state.

“Love your neighbor as yourself” is one of two commandments given that can really cause one to think deeply about oneself as well as others. First, one must have healthy self-love and appreciation for self in order to love another as oneself. Second, who is my neighbor?

The neighbor portion is easy as we have been designed to be in community with others. It is everyone who we come in contact. It doesn’t matter their background, religious beliefs, likes or dislikes, and whether they are the haves or have nots. We, as a people, are to love (honor and respect) those who are the same as well as different. We all have been uniquely designed and are our very own originals. Diversity enhances us all as we can embrace the same as well as the differences because love abounds.

 The true gift is loving amid uncertainty.

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy