By now I am sure we all have a good understanding of what it means to love our neighbour. Before we leave this topic there are two warnings we should consider.
Giving out of love should mean we are driven by a desire to address a need of another. This should be our only objective. Our giving should not be motivated by self-interest, a reward or to be seen. This is what Jesus said, "Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you"(Matt 6:1-4).
The second important teaching from Jesus is that meeting the needs of others is not reserved for those who are by the means to do so. We all have something to give. If not money, then our time, a listening ear or a prayer. In Mark 12:41-44 we read the story of the rich donating large amounts of money to the temple, while a poor widow gave two copper coins, the equivalent of a penny. Upon seeing this, Jesus said to His disciples, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living".
My Prayer
Holy Yahushua, thank you for Your Word. Forgive us for often falling short of what is expected from us. Please create within us pure hearts that will not look to do good to be seen, but to always act out of love. Thank you that you loved us so much that you gave Your life for us. We worship You and praise Your holy name. Aman.