Learning to Love My Neighbor

Psalm 27:13: “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!” 

I am a very private person, and since my youth, I have struggled with building friendships. I am awkward in gatherings and usually prefer solitude. Then, a few years back, I returned to faith. The Holy Bible became daily reading for me. There was so much that was inspiring, but even more that convicted my heart. Two commandments spoken by Jesus struck me the most: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) and “Love one another…as I have loved you” (John 13:34). For me, these were the scariest commandments, because it meant being with and relating to other people. I could no longer hide from others. To love like Jesus, I would have to open my heart and allow others to enter, and in turn, be willing to enter into their life and love them. Despite my fear, I somehow wanted this change. So, I asked the Lord to teach me to love my neighbor. His answer was a fast track to FMS. Living in an intentional community nurtured that desire to belong. Then Jamaica became a proving ground where my faith in God and love for neighbor forged a spiritual growth and love for life that I never thought possible. There are so many stories I could share to illustrate how my heart has changed. One stands out because it was recent. 

A few days ago, I was on my way to Bethlehem orphanage. I was really excited to see the children. I had the car keys in my hand and I was walking out the door when I encountered Lavern who works at the convent. In the nearly two years I’ve been here, we never really spoke except to exchange greetings. But when I saw her that morning, our eyes met and something was different. There was pain in her expression and I asked her what was going on. She shared that her sister had just passed away suddenly, and at the same time, her brother was hospitalized in critical condition. Even though she had just trusted me with such intimate news, my initial thoughts were about trying to figure a polite way to leave. I have strong values about being on time and keeping commitments, but as I looked at Lavern’s face, I knew there was nothing more important than the person standing before me. I heard in my mind the word “stay.” So I put the keys back in my pocket, put my purse down and asked Lavern if we could sit together.

We found a quiet place, and I listened to her. She shared a beautiful story about her family. She lost her closest sister just a few years back and now another sister is gone. We were both fighting to hold back tears. I remember her looking at me and saying “the Lord gives me strength” and like a prayer I repeated “the Lord gives us strength”. In that moment, Lavern was sharing a very powerful message of her faith which was so very beautiful to hear. 

If I had left, I would have missed this moment of grace. I would have missed an opportunity to know a very lovely woman. There is no doubt that God was present to both Lavern and I. As he loved us, we loved each other. In that moment, the goodness of the Lord was manifest in the friendship we shared. 

I have had numerous encounters like this in Jamaica, both happy and sad, and each time I feel God’s presence. In my short time here, I have been welcomed and loved and I have learned to return that love. That prayer to God from long ago asking him to teach me to love was answered so wonderfully and is proof that his goodness abounds.

Question for Reflection: When have you answered God’s call to love your neighbor?