Vizinho
Amar o próximo é um dos mandamentos centrais do evangelho. A Bíblia nos ensina que nossos vizinhos são aqueles a quem devemos servir, apoiar e encorajar com amor genuíno.
O mandamento do amor ao próximo
Jesus resume a Lei no amor a Deus e ao próximo. Amar o vizinho como a si mesmo é cumprir toda a Lei.
This is the second: ‘You shall [unselfishly] love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these." [Lev 19:18]
For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is fulfilled in one precept, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, you shall have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit]." [Lev 19:18]
The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet," and any other commandment are summed up in this statement: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." [Ex 20:13-17; Lev 19:18]
Love does no wrong to a neighbor [it never hurts anyone]. Therefore [unselfish] love is the fulfillment of the Law.
"So then, in everything treat others the same way you want them to treat you, for this is [the essence of] the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets.
Amor em ação
O amor verdadeiro se mostra em ações concretas: hospitalidade, generosidade e cuidado com os necessitados ao nosso redor.
Let love of your fellow believers continue. Do not neglect to extend hospitality to strangers [especially among the family of believers—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. [Gen 18:1-8; 19:1-3; Judg 6:11-24; 13:6-20]
Pure and unblemished religion [as it is expressed in outward acts] in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit and look after the fatherless and the widows in their distress, and to keep oneself uncontaminated by the [secular] world.
Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others]. [Prov 10:12]
So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers).
For this is the message which you [believers] have heard from the beginning [of your relationship with Christ], that we should [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another;
I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another.
Edificação e encorajamento mútuo
Somos chamados a encorajar uns aos outros, carregar os fardos alheios e buscar o bem do próximo acima do próprio interesse.
Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.
Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love]. [John 13:34]
Let each one of us [make it a practice to] please his neighbor for his good, to build him up spiritually.
Let no one seek [only] his own good, but [also] that of the other person.
Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor;
And may the Lord cause you to increase and excel and overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you;
Humildade, perdão e convivência
O relacionamento com o próximo exige humildade, paciência e disposição para perdoar. Não devemos julgar, mas acolher com compaixão.
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.
bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive.
Then let us not criticize one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block or a source of temptation in another believer’s way.
Therefore you have no excuse or justification, everyone of you who [hypocritically] judges and condemns others; for in passing judgment on another person, you condemn yourself, because you who judge [from a position of arrogance or self-righteousness] are habitually practicing the very same things [which you denounce].
Finally, all of you be like-minded [united in spirit], sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted [courteous and compassionate toward each other as members of one household], and humble in spirit;
One person regards one day as better [or more important] than another, while another regards every day [the same as any other]. Let everyone be fully convinced (assured, satisfied) in his own mind.
"For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend;
So that he does not abandon (turn away from) the fear of the Almighty.