“But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22 ) [ESV] “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can his faith save him?” (James 2:14 ) [ESV] “Indeed, if you keep the royal law prescribed in the Scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well.” (James 2:8 ) [HCSB] The Great Commandment:
“28 One of the scribes approached. When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked Him, “Which command is the most important of all?” 29 “This is the most important,” Jesus answered: Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is One. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. 31 “The second is: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.” (Mark 12:28-31 )
“Little children, we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action.” (1 John 3:18 ) Five Evidences You Have A Loving Faith For Your Neighbor: 1. Get to know your neighbors individually and personally.
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly …” (Proverbs 18:24 ) [NKJV]“Be friendly with everyone. Don’t be proud and feel that you are smarter than others. Make friends with ordinary people.” (Romans 12:16 ) [CEV]
2. Encourage your neighbors frequently.
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.” (Proverbs 12:25 )
3. Serve your neighbors cheerfully.
WHO? “Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10 )
HOW? “Serve the Lord with gladness …” (Psalm 100:2 )
WHEN? “If anyone has this world’s goods and sees his brother in need but closes his eyes to his need—how can God’s love reside in him?” (1 John 3:17 )
4. Invite your neighbors to join you for worship live or online worship regularly.
“Then the master told the slave, ‘Go out into the highways and lanes and make them come in, so that my house may be filled.’” (Luke 14:23 )
5. Share Christ with your neighbors personally.
“15b … Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. 16 However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused, those who denounce your Christian life will be put to shame.” (1 Peter 3:15 b-16)