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.
31 And the second is like to it: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is no other commandment greater than these.
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
9 For Thou shalt not commit adultery: Thou shalt not kill: Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness: Thou shalt not covet: and if there be any other commandment, it is comprised in this word, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
10 The love of our neighbour worketh no evil. Love therefore is the fulfilling of the law.
12 All things therefore whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you also to them. For this is the law and the prophets.
Amor em ação
O amor verdadeiro se mostra em ações concretas: hospitalidade, generosidade e cuidado com os necessitados ao nosso redor.
1 Let the charity of the brotherhood abide in you.2 And hospitality do not forget; for by this some, being not aware of it, have entertained angels.
27 Religion clean and undefiled before God and the Father, is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their tribulation: and to keep one's self unspotted from this world.
8 But before all things have a constant mutual charity among yourselves: for charity covereth a multitude of sins.
10 Therefore, whilst we have time, let us work good to all men, but especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
11 For this is the declaration, which you have heard from the beginning, that you should love one another.
34 A new commandment I give unto you: That you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also 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.
11 For which cause comfort one another; and edify one another, as you also do.
2 Bear ye one another's burdens; and so you shall fulfil the law of Christ.
2 Let every one of you please his neighbour unto good, to edification.
24 Let no man seek his own, but that which is another's.
10 Loving one another with the charity of brotherhood, with honour preventing one another.
12 And may the Lord multiply you, and make you abound in charity towards one another, and towards all men: as we do also towards you,
Humildade, perdão e convivência
O relacionamento com o próximo exige humildade, paciência e disposição para perdoar. Não devemos julgar, mas acolher com compaixão.
3 Let nothing be done through contention, neither by vain glory: but in humility, let each esteem others better than themselves:
13 Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if any have a complaint against another: even as the Lord hath forgiven you, so do you also.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more. But judge this rather, that you put not a stumblingblock or a scandal in your brother's way.
1 Wherefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest. For wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself. For thou dost the same things which thou judgest.
8 And in fine, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, being lovers of the brotherhood, merciful, modest, humble:
5 For one judgeth between day and day: and another judgeth every day: let every man abound in his own sense.
14 He that taketh away mercy from his friend, forsaketh the fear of the Lord.