by J.C. Vogen

Created on: August 21, 2009   Last Updated: September 01, 2009

"Love your neighbor as yourself"

This simple yet immensely profound revelation is at the quintessential essence of modern Christianity. Coming to a true understanding of this divine verse may take one a lifetime of contemplation. In coming to an understanding of the message behind this verse, it is necessary to first analyze the verse as a couple of individual messages. Firstly, and perhaps most obviously, this verse stresses the importance of loving your neighbor. Not only should you simply love your neighbor, but you must love your neighbor as if you yourself were your neighbor. This may seem easy enough, but do not yet assume you are living your life in accordance with the teaching of the verse.

To love your neighbor as yourself, you must examine how you view your own self. To love your neighbor as yourself is of no use if you in fact do not view yourself as worthy of being loved. It is necessary to embrace your God-given existence, and recognize your worth in the eyes of God. For once you understand the love of God for his creation, you will then start to understand how all of God's creation is truly unified in essence.

The modern world is a truly hostile environment for anyone trying to live their life by the principle of this verse. Mankind's neighbor is no longer old man Jones who mows his lawn every Saturday afternoon, or Miss Johnson from down the street who always has a plate of fresh chocolate chip cookies ready for any soul kind enough to stop by for a visit. The world has become connected like never before witnessed in the history of Man. Our neighbors in the 21st century no longer live next door, often they do not even live in our own town. The difficulty of loving an individual who may be of a different ethnicity, creed, or culture can prove extremely challenging since it is more difficult to recognize yourself within such an individual.

Recognition of oneself in another is what I believe to be the most important message of this verse. No matter the multitude of differences which exist between two individuals, being able to recognize the truly divine essence of all life, and embracing the love for which God possesses for all creation will lead one to a truly profound understanding of what it means to "Love your neighbor as yourself".

Learn more about this author, J.C. Vogen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.