“Love your neighbor.” Perhaps he rolls in riches—and you are poor, and living in your little cottage side-by-side with his lordly mansion. Every day you see his estates, his fine linen, and his sumptuous banquets. God has given him these gifts, covet not his wealth, and think no hard thoughts concerning him. Be content with your own lot, if you cannot better it—but do not look upon your neighbor, and wish that he were as yourself. Love him—and then you will not envy him. Perhaps, on the other hand, you are rich—and near you reside the poor. Do not scorn to call them neighbor. Own that you are bound to love them. The world calls them your inferiors. In what are they inferior? They are far more your equals—than your inferiors, for “God has made of one blood all those who dwell upon the face of the earth.” It is your coat which is better than theirs—but you are by no means better than they. They are men, and what are you more than that? Take heed that you love your neighbor even though he is in rags, or sunken in the depths of poverty. CHS
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 11:53:35 +0000