How to Wait Well: Love Your Neighbor

by David Chadwick

Such a simple concept that requires tremendous patience. Loving your neighbor is a skill that, if developed, will strengthen your ability to wait well. It helps you to become long-suffering.

Many don’t realize that this is an Old Testament command from Leviticus 19:18. God instructed his people to live as a different kind of people in his Promised Land. He urged his people toward loving one another.

Jesus seized further upon this idea in Mark 12:30-31, where he urged his followers to love God first and then to love our neighbor. Did you know that one of the greatest ways we can show love for our God is to love those whom he loves the most? He created mankind in his image and in spite of the flaws of humanity, God still loves us (John 3:16).

My dad was once asked by a friend how he could best thank my dad for doing all that he had done to help this man know Jesus. My dad simply responded, “Express love to one of my kids.” This man did---to me! He gifted me with a new suit that I was able to take to college! How grateful I was for the kind gift he bestowed upon me. He showed love to my dad by showing love to his son.

Who is your neighbor? When asked this question, Jesus essentially said, “Yes!” The entire world is desperately in need of encountering the true love of the Father.

So, as you love the person next door by making a visit or fixing a meal, when you send a financial gift to help alleviate suffering worldwide, as you display an act of love to someone, guess what? You are loving your neighbor!

When Jesus returns, let him find you fully surrendered to him and wholeheartedly loving someone. Your neighbor. Your spouse. Your child. Your friend.

Find someone to love and you will surely hear his, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”