Reflections On Proverbs 27
Today, we study the Book of Proverbs Chapter 27, where we are reminded that : better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away!
Theme:
“Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.”
Key Scripture
Proverbs 27:10
“Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend,nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.”
Reflection
Who is my neighbor?
The literal meaning of the Word “BRETHREN” is “one who shared the same womb.”
In this tough world, we need one another!
God Almighty strategically locates us among “brothers” and “sisters” within the same “family” or “church” or “community”- This is part of a divine plan as well as divine protocol.
In the Book of Luke chapter 10 verse 29, Jesus was asked pointedly: WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?.
The Lord used the opportunity to expound the parable of the “Good Samaritan” and then confronted us all.
Luke 10: 37 reported that the neighbor was: “The One who showed HIM/ HER mercy.”
Jesus commanded : “Go and the likewise.”
ADD WORKS TO FAITH
The Apostle James admonished that Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
(James 2:15 -17)
How To Be A Good Neighbor?
1. Be Merciful
(Luke 10:37)
2. Be Generous:
(Matthew 25:38-39)
– Hospitality to strangers
– Clothing to the naked
– Visiting the sick
– Visiting the prison
3. Be Selfless (Hebrews 13:1)
4. Be Reliable:
Sticking closer than a brother or sister
(Proverbs 18:24)
DO IT FOR JESUS
Brethren, if we need a MOTIVE to be a friend or a neighbor – Let’s consider Matthew 25:40: “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it it to one of the least of these my Brethren, you did it to Me.”- Let’s do it for Jesus.
He is a REWARDER!
Conclusion
Our Lord Jesus has elevated loving one another to a NEW COMMANDMENT.
Hence, we MUST all UPGRADE our Attitude and conduct to OBEY this COMMANDMENT.
So, help us God.
Amen.(Jn 13:34-35)
Prayer
Father, we pray that You give us the Grace, Heart of Compassion & Mercy to love one another as Christ loves us. Amen.
Scriptures
Proverbs 27:10
James 2:15-17
Luke 10:29
Luke 10:37
James 2:15-17
Hebrews 13:1
Matthew 25:38-40
Proverbs 18:24
John 13:34-35
