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 The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."
14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
9 The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not covet," and any other commandment, are summed up in this sentence, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
12 So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so 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 brotherly love continue.2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
8 Above all hold unfailing your love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.
10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
11 For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even 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 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
2 let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him.
24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
10 love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor.
12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all men, as we do to 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 Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves.
13 forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
13 Then let us no more pass judgment on one another, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.
1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, whoever you are, when you judge another; for in passing judgment upon him you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things.
8 Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind.
5 One man esteems one day as better than another, while another man esteems all days alike. Let every one be fully convinced in his own mind.
14 "He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.