Find True Peace & Love with Us (14)

The Royal Law: Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

“Love your neighbor as yourself” seems easy to understand, but if we take it literally, we might mistakenly love others based only on our own ideas or preferences. Actually, the original Greek word used for “love” here is agapao (the verb form of agape), meaning “holy love”—the same kind of love Jesus Christ showed to the world. Often, the love mentioned in the Bible refers specifically to this divine love, not the kind of love commonly understood today, otherwise it diminishes the spiritual power of God’s word.

God gives us a richer life through the great love of Jesus Christ. When we better understand God’s plan for salvation, we can comprehend how wide, long, deep, and high Christ’s love is (Ephesians 3:17-19 NKJV). This love was shown by Jesus, who gave His own blood and life. It is completely different from ordinary romantic love or friendship. Human love might involve equal exchanges, selfish desires, or personal interests. Of course, human love can also be pure, sweet, selfless, sacrificial, and caring without expecting rewards. Such love is a beautiful gift from our Creator because we were made in His image. Sadly, some people lose their dignity and goodness by giving in to their evil desires and selfishness (Ephesians 4:22 NKJV).

To truly understand the Lord’s love, we must know how He loves us. Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses and helplessness (Hebrews 4:15 NKJV). As Isaiah 53:4 says, “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” Furthermore, Philippians 2:6-8 (paraphrased) explains that although Jesus was equal with God, He did not insist on this status but humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant, obeying God even to death on the cross for our sins. If we truly understand Christ’s love, we realize He became human like us, experiencing our weakness and limitations. Yet, He valued us more than His own life and sacrificed Himself for us. I once saw a movie where a man sacrificed himself for a woman, and I was deeply moved. Actually, our ability to love comes from God. If love didn’t exist, relationships would become mere transactions filled with power struggles and selfish interests. Families, schools, and social support systems wouldn’t exist. A society without genuine love and emotion would be tragic and meaningless.

When we understand Christ’s holy love—loving our neighbor as ourselves—we realize that Jesus truly stands by us, understanding our weaknesses and limitations. He sent the Holy Spirit as our Comforter and Advocate (original Greek: parakletos, meaning Comforter, Intercessor, Advocate) (John 14:16 NKJV). The Spirit prays for us, strengthens us, and guides us into all truth (John 16:13 NKJV). Jesus loves us as He loves Himself. He doesn’t harshly condemn our failures, weaknesses, or sins. In His ministry on earth, He visited Zacchaeus the tax collector, healed a woman bent over for many years, cast demons out of a man in Gadara, forgave an adulterous woman, and shared the gospel with a Samaritan woman. His love includes everyone.

The Apostle Paul said, “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some… Now this I do for the gospel’s sake.” (Philippians 2:6–8; 1 Corinthians 9:22–23 NKJV, paraphrased). Loving our neighbors helps us lead people to Christ. Rather than complaining, criticizing, or feeling frustrated about others’ weaknesses, we should examine ourselves first. Remember, Jesus constantly intercedes for us despite our own weaknesses and sins.

Therefore, loving your neighbor as yourself means reflecting Christ’s compassion toward us and treating others with the same mercy He has shown us.

Let us build our families on the Word of God, making our homes a place where faith thrives and Christ’s love reigns. Come and learn more about the Doctrine through bible study, sermons and fellowship. We warmly invite you to our upcoming Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC) to discover how we can ensure a lasting spiritual legacy. Come, bring your family, and let’s run this race together in faith!

You can also join us for the Spring 2025 ESSC via online streaming.  

Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM

Please find our church location below:

True Jesus Church

4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
 Google Maps

In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.

Friday Evening Service:  7:50PM – 9:00PM

Saturday Morning Service:  10:50AM – 12:00Noon

Saturday Afternoon Service:  1:30PM – 2:40PM

Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org