In chapter twelve of his narration of the life of Jesus, Mark recalls these words from the Son of Man: "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. The second is this: love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."
I've often wondered what my life, and the life of others, would look like if I loved those around me as much as I love myself. It's actually sickening how much I love myself. I'll do anything for me. I'll spend money to buy what I want, I'll self-prescribe medicine to remedy sickness (OK, don't do that for your neighbor), anything, really. I love myself, there's no dancing around that one. But Jesus told me to love those around me just as much - to act as swiftly and decisively in order to meet their needs as I would my own. I was given a beautiful picture of this about an hour ago, and I couldn't wait to share it. It's short, sweet, and took a stab at my pride.
Living as a bachelor is hardly overrated - it's practically heaven. Cooking for one, however, is tough. Even tougher when you're me. Today was an off day around the house, so I decided to throw the two pieces of salmon in the oven and whip up some mashed potatoes for lunch (thanks, mom). As I'm preparing my plate, I realize there's no way I can eat both pieces and all of the potatoes, and immediately my neighbor comes to mind. He lives in the townhouse connected to mine, is single in his early 50s, and works the second shift. The thought crosses my mind: take what's left over to him! No, that's weird. Men don't take each other food, that's for women. It's weird.
After a few minutes of deliberation, I wrap up the other piece of salmon, box up the potatoes, and walk next door. "Have you eaten lunch yet?"
"No I haven't, and I was just thinking about going out to get something because I'm running behind."
"No need. Here's salmon and some mashed potatoes. It isn't much, but it might hold you over."
Men don't like small talk, and I'm perfectly okay with that. We talked for a second about work and cooking for one, then went our separate ways. He was grateful, thanking me several times. As I sat at my table eating my portion, I smiled at the ceiling (you know when you want to smile at God, you awkwardly smile at the ceiling). I thanked Him for the courage to go next door and bless my neighbor. As I'm sitting there eating, it hit me. I took my neighbor the smaller piece of salmon. As I recalled, I had deliberately taken the smaller piece to him and left the larger for myself. I had loved my neighbor, but I had loved myself more.
For the past year, I lived with a family in Virginia who gave me an amazing picture of sacrificial love. They loved me, included me in their family dinners, and invited me down to watch our favorite TV episodes with them. They even tried to give me one of their dogs, but I don't think that falls under the love category (they'll get that). The bottom line is, they showed me what it's like to love those around you as much as you love yourself. It changed me.
Jesus didn't stop at "love your neighbor." He said to go all out. Give them the biggest piece of fish, the full of your attention, the best. Isn't that what you do for yourself? Jesus says take that level of self-love and apply it to those around you.
We're surrounded by people. Following Jesus isn't easy, but it isn't complicated, either. Find someone and love them. Lavishly.
