Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. (Proverbs 3:29)
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. (Acts 11:29-30; see below for context)
Don't pretend to love. That doesn't mean don't make an effort to show love; we must allow Jesus to teach us to broaden and deepen our love. But it does mean not to affect love beyond our real limits. This is good advice in an age when people try to increase their power by putting on a big show of caring for people that they don't really know and have little relevance to.
But putting that aside, I want to take a practical look at genuine love on a community level.
Proverbs teaches that we have a very practical reason for loving our neighbours; historically they live close by for the sake of security; a city wall, a town watch, these are only available to those who will live peaceably by their neighbours. This tells me that before we pick fights with those who should be our friends, we should try to remember why we are on the same side, and how turning on each other will expose us to great danger.
Men and women absolutely need each other, it is devilish to be disunited and compete or to envy each other.
Different skin colours or ethnic identities are all part of the same human race, to indulge in hatred over historic grievances is to destroy our chances of living in peace and prosperity.
Members of a faith community must find ways to disagree in harmony, and to remember that they agree on the things that really matter, thus to be perfectly united in Christ the Word, the Truth.
As members of a family, faith community or any small tight-knit community, we must look after each other, this is ultimately a matter of life and death. This is not an affirmation of Communism, despite the oft (ab)used "each according to his ability", Communism tries to force fake love of strangers where Christianity teaches genuine love for neighbours, even enemies, in your tiny immediate community. Local churches should be looking out for the welfare of their members, and many do, and we as members should not be too proud to be helped.
Appendix, Context from Acts:
Appendix, Context from Acts:
Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. (Acts 11:19-30)
Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. (Acts 11:19-30)
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