To love your neighbor, notice one person who needs something and do something about it. Jesus called this the second great commandment, and when someone asked Him to define "neighbor," He answered with a story about a stranger who stopped.
“And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:31 (KJV)
What the Good Samaritan actually did
Luke 10 is worth reading closely, because it's so practical. Two religious people pass by. The Samaritan does a series of ordinary things:
“And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”
Luke 10:34 (KJV)
He stopped, used what he had with him, gave up his own convenience, and spent his own money. He also went on with his journey afterward. He didn't solve everything, and you won't either.
Start close to home
The nearest neighbor may be under your own roof. Try these before anything grand:
- Ask someone in your home how their day really went, and put your phone down for the answer.
- Do the job nobody likes without announcing it.
- Learn the name of a neighbor you've only ever waved to.
- Offer something specific. "I'm going to the store, what can I get you?" is easier to accept than "Let me know if you need anything."
Look for who gets overlooked
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”
Romans 12:10 (KJV)
Think about who is easy to miss: the widower down the street, the new mother, the coworker who eats alone, the person who cleans your building. A greeting by name is a small thing, and it's a real one.
Use what's already in your hands
“Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”
Romans 12:13 (KJV)
You don't need a program. Make a double batch of dinner. Offer a lift. Mow the extra strip of grass. The Samaritan used oil, wine and a donkey because that's what he had.
Keep your limits
Loving people doesn't require you to be available to everyone at all times. Jesus Himself withdrew to pray. If you're worn out, how to rest in God may be the page you need first.
Try this today
Think of one person who came to mind while you read this, and do one specific thing for them before bed. If it's someone who is sick, these prayers for healing and comfort can go with it. If it's a friend who is struggling, these verses may help.
A reminder for the small kindnesses that nobody sees. Fig Devotional is a daily devotional for iPhone: a verse, a prayer and one small action, ending in a card like this one. Its guides are illustrated characters and its reflections are written with AI.
Common questions
What does love your neighbor as yourself mean?
It means wanting for others the same care you want for yourself, and acting on it. Jesus names it as the second great commandment in Mark 12:31.
Who is my neighbor according to the Bible?
In Luke 10, Jesus answers this question with the story of the Good Samaritan. The neighbor in the story is the person in front of you who needs help, even one you'd normally avoid.
What are simple ways to love your neighbor?
Learn their name, offer to help with something specific, bring a meal, check on someone who lives alone, listen without fixing, and pray for them.
How can I love a difficult person?
Love in Scripture is more about action than feeling. You can be fair and kind and still keep healthy limits. Romans 12:18 asks for peace as far as it depends on you, which recognizes that it doesn't all depend on you.