65 The Second Greatest Commandment
Arnold thinks of himself as a good Christian. He goes to church every week and faithfully tithes. Arnold also does a lot of volunteer work around the community along with colporteuring. He teaches Sabbath school and helps out with small group Bible studies. Arnold does his best to greet every newcomer who shows up at church and is always positive around people.
However, Arnold has somewhat of an antagonistic relationship with his younger sister Sandy. He argues with her a lot and won't help her doing chores around the house or help her out with her homework when she asks him. In fact, he treats her rather poorly.
One day Arnold was teaching Sabbath school on the lesson of loving God and your neighbor. As he was teaching, Arnold was interrupted by a young boy named Jonathan. Jonathan asked Arnold if he loved and God and his neighbors. Arnold was stunned momentarily by this seemingly simple question. Arnold stammered and replied that of course he loves God and he also loves his neighbors around him. Jonathan looked at Arnold for a brief moment then asked, if this is true, then why is Arnold always so mean to his sister?
The question pierced Arnold through the heart and he said nothing. After Sabbath school was over, Arnold went to his sister Sandy took her aside to speak with her privately. He apologized to her and confessed that he hasn't been a good brother to her at all. He asked her to forgive him. Sandy tearfully hugged Arnold and accepted his apology. Arnold started crying himself as he realized he wasn't as good as he thought was. But he promised he will get better for his sister's sake.
You cannot truly love God if you hate your brother or sister, or anyone for that matter. Even when Jesus was hanging on the cross, he asked the Father to forgive the people mocking Him. We need to learn love others first, then we can truly love God with all our heart.
- Recommended reading: Matthew 22:36-40, 1 John 4:20-21
