Living in harmony with neighbours

Posted on July 17, 2024, 4 p.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

I came across a question asking why our society is so fragmented. The answer that quickly came to mind was the fact that the people that made up the society does not care about God and by extension does not care about one another. It is difficult for someone or group of persons that are not in harmony with God to be in harmony with one another. How do we be in harmony with God? We be in harmony with God when we love Him with all our hearts, with all our soul and with all our mind and we do not let our opinion override His commandments. Above all, we let God lead the way in every aspect of our lives. When we are able to achieve this with God, living in harmony with one another will not be difficult. The scripture says, “When a man’s way pleases the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Prov.16:7) The word of God summarises the fact that when we are in harmony with God, it will not be difficult for us to be in harmony with our neighbours. We can live in harmony with our neighbours when we obey the word of God. Jesus teaches about His law that says, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” (Matt.22:39b) Same way that loving God is the way to be in harmony with Him, so also it is, that loving our neighbour is the antidote of living in harmony. Let us obey His commandment by loving our neighbours as ourselves. How do we love our neighbours? The answer is “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil.2:3-4) The scripture is saying that we should act in humble manner when it comes to relating with one another. We should not be motivated by our self-interest or self-seeking aspiration, but for the good of all. We should let it be in us, the mind that made Jesus make Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant and coming in the likeness of men even when He is God. Brethren, the word of God describes believers as the light of the world. It is time for us to display the light that God has made us to be to the world. We can begin to display the light when we begin to live in unity through humility among ourselves and our neighbours. Not living for our self-interest or self-seeking aspiration but putting the interest of others above our individual interest. It is then we can trust, respect and have genuine care for one another and be a beacon of kindness and empathy, spreading love around. We should also let our way please God and let His Holy Spirit lead every aspect of our lives. Then the world will see the harmony among us, and it will spread to the society, and everyone will begin to live in harmony with one another. Evangelism This is an opportunity to tell your neighbours about Jesus Christ as you begin to live in harmony with one another. Be part of the Great Commission. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre