Loopholes

Loopholes
We love loopholes. A better statement would be we are gifted at finding loopholes. We feel
somewhat important when we have a shortcut, or special access because we have discovered
a way that others haven’t. Religious people are always looking for loopholes. This is especially
true when there are a lot of laws or rules.
When Jesus reiterated the command to love our neighbor, a Pharisee asked, “who is my
neighbor”. Do we really have to love everyone? Do I really have to show grace to people who
are not in my tribe? Surely there is a loophole where it’s okay to let certain people have the
brunt of my wrath and judgment. Right?
Wrong. Jesus made it very clear that everyone is our neighbor, and we are to love them in the
best way possible. That does not mean we become door mats and just take whatever is dished
out, but it does mean that we are to respond with thoughtful and Christlike love.
In a world where love, respect and servanthood have little place, those things stand out as an
amazing witness to a God who is set apart when we obey this simple command. Instead of
spending time looking for loopholes, maybe we are better served by simply taking Jesus at His
word and doing the thing He has told us to do.
I invite you today to go and love your neighbor.