25 Ways to Love Our Neighbor
By Abba Jimmy (Theoloscience)
Hey there, Gen Z and Millennials! Have you ever wondered how those Sunday Mass gatherings with family fit into your fast-paced, tech-savvy world? Well, it’s more relevant than you might think. Every Sunday, families gather to listen, reflect, and share in the sacred scriptures. These moments contribute to building up a strong sense of community and love.
Think of it this way: Mass is like a weekly reset button where we reconnect with our deepest commitments to God and each other. Among the many lessons the Bible teaches us, one stands out as super relevant today: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This isn’t just a nice idea — it’s a powerful guide for living a life full of meaning, compassion, and service.
In this reflection, we’ll explore 25 practical ways to show love to your neighbors, all inspired by the Bible — the same Bible that’s read and reflected upon every Sunday at Mass. By understanding and applying these ways, we can see how our faith plays a crucial role in fostering love and unity in our communities. Ready to make a real difference? Let’s get started!
The readings for Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time (2 Tm 2:8–15; Ps 25:4–5ab, 8–9, 10 and 14; Mk 12:28–34) offer insights into the meaning of Christian love and discipleship. In particular, the Gospel of Mark presents the two greatest commandments: loving God and loving our neighbor.
Here are 25 Ways to Love Our Neighbor, which results in love of God: Reflecting on the Thursday’s Readings of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time.
Number 1: Pray for Others
Prayer is a powerful way to express love. St. Paul encourages us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), reminding us that interceding for others brings us closer to God and each other.
Number 2: Offer a Listening Ear
Listening attentively to someone in need, as James 1:19 suggests, “Be quick to listen, slow to speak,” shows deep respect and empathy.
Number 3: Share Your Time
Volunteering your time to help others, as demonstrated by the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37), is a practical manifestation of love.
Number 4: Provide Encouragement
Encouraging words, as St. Paul advises in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Encourage one another and build each other up,” can uplift and strengthen those around us.
Number 5: Be Hospitable
Hospitality, as Abraham shows in Genesis 18, involves welcoming others into our homes and lives with warmth and generosity.
Number 6: Forgive Freely
Jesus taught us to forgive “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22), highlighting the importance of mercy and reconciliation.
Number 7: Share Your Resources
Acts 2:44–45 describes the early Christians who “had everything in common” and shared their resources with those in need, exemplifying community, and love.
Number 8: Offer a Helping Hand
Simple acts of service. For example, you may help someone with chores or running errands, demonstrating love in action, and following Jesus’ example of washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1–17).
Number 9: Show Compassion
St. Francis of Assisi said, “It is in giving that we receive,” reminding us that acts of compassion enrich both the giver and the receiver.
Number 10: Speak the Truth in Love
Ephesians 4:15 calls us to “speak the truth in love,” balancing honesty with kindness in our interactions.
Number 11: Be Patient
Patience, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), allows us to bear with one another’s weaknesses and grow in understanding.
Number 12: Offer Comfort
Comforting those who mourn, as Jesus promises in Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,” is an exceptional way to show love.
Number 13: Practice Kindness
Simple acts of kindness inspired by the Good Samaritan can brighten someone’s day and show they are valued.
Number 14: Share Your Faith
Sharing the Gospel and our hope in Christ, as Peter encourages in 1 Peter 3:15, is a loving act that offers eternal significance.
Number 15: Offer a Smile
A smile can convey warmth and acceptance, breaking down barriers and creating a sense of community.
Number 16: Practice Generosity
As exemplified by the widow’s offering (Mark 12:41–44), generosity reflects a heart that values others above material possessions.
Number 17: Be an Advocate
Standing up for those who cannot defend themselves, as Proverbs 31:8–9 instructs, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,” is a powerful expression of love.
Number 18: Show Respect
Respecting others, regardless of their background or beliefs, as Jesus did with the Samaritan woman (John 4:1–26), demonstrates the dignity inherent in every person.
Number 19: Be Present
Being fully present with someone, as Jesus was with Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38–42), shows we value their company and concerns.
Number 20: Teach and Mentor
Teaching others, especially in faith, as Paul did with Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2), helps them grow and flourish.
Number 21: Offer Support
As Barnabas did for Paul (Acts 9:26–27), supporting others in their endeavors and dreams can help them achieve their God-given potential.
Number 22: Show Gratitude
As Paul often did in his letters (Philippians 1:3), expressing gratitude for others strengthens bonds and fosters a spirit of appreciation.
Number 23: Be Understanding
Striving to understand others’ perspectives and experiences, as Jesus did with Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10), fosters deeper connections and empathy.
Number 24: Offer Hope
Offering words of hope, inspired by Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace,” can uplift and encourage those facing difficulties.
Number 25: Love Unconditionally
Loving others unconditionally, as Jesus loves us (John 15:12), is the ultimate way to reflect God’s love in our relationships.
Loving our neighbor as ourselves, as Jesus commanded, is a multifaceted calling that encompasses actions, words, and attitudes. When we make sincere and intentional efforts to love our neighbors, we fulfill the greatest commandments and bring the light of Christ into the world. Let’s strive to love others, honor God, and build a community grounded in giving and sharing compassion, understanding, and genuine care for all people.
