The Call to Neighboring

Hello, I'm Drew East, a youth member With Community Of Faith United Methodist Church. This week's topic is “The Call to Neighboring”. My thinking question for you is: “How am I called to be the neighbor God wants me to be?”. As you think about that, I invite you to read Galatians 5:13-16. 

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” 

The context behind this passage is that the disciple Paul has written a letter to the Galatians, who were being persuaded by the Judaizers to have non- practices, but still claim to be Christian. Paul is beyond angry in this letter, seeing the Judaizers lead the Galatians away from God infuriates him. Yet, he still makes it clear that everything that God teaches us boils down to loving one another. He finds a way to, within his anger, teach the Galatians that we were set free simply to love and serve.  

With the amount of divide between humanity, especially in such a polarizing environment that we live in, I think we need a letter from Paul. In a political and social environment where we only truly focus on the desires of the flesh, we need to steer back on course for what the Lord set us free to do. The second commandment has transcended Christianity, becoming the “golden rule” for mankind. It is our duty, as the children of God, to fulfill this commandment. Yet again, I ask you, “how am I called to be the neighbor god wants me to be?” 

I'd like to end this vesper with a closing prayer.  

 Dear God, 

Thank you for making us in your image, so we can spread your love to all those who seek and need it. Thank you for giving us the gift of service. Please God, may you walk with us in our journey of neighborhood, show us how to help those in need. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.  

Thank you so much for reading, I greatly appreciate it, have a blessed day.