Loving our Neighbor by V. M. L. Cottrell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 12, 1871

Loving our Neighbor.

By V. M. L. Cottrell

“Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” God does not command us to love him with an indifferent or lukewarm love, but to love him even as we love ourselves. Do we do this? Are we as forgiving to our neighbor as we are to ourselves? When he is in need, are we as ready to assist him as we are to assist ourselves? When he rejoices, do we rejoice with him? When he mourns, do we comfort him? When he is cold, do we warm him? When he is hungry, do we give him food? When he is naked, do we clothe him? When he is sick, do we stand by his bedside and minister unto him? If he is in danger, do we warn him? When he strays from the path of truth and virtue, do we take him by the hand and gently lead him to Jesus? If we do, then in truth do we love our neighbor as we love ourselves. If we do not, then do we come short of God’s commandment. Brethren and sisters, let us think of this. Read the last part of Matt. 25.

V. M. L. COTTRELL.