Light bulb moments

Often, in my life, there are light bulb moments. A moment in time where many little tidbits of knowledge meld into a revelation. Usually, this revelation precipitates a change: spiritually, emotionally, etc.

Yesterday we had a guest preacher for the morning service as our pastor was visiting family. He said something that struck me,

"It is easy to say that we [as Christians] love everybody, but do we love the people that are around us?"

By around us, he was referring to our neighbors, acquaintances, people we come into contact everyday -- on the street, at work, at play.

He was teaching from Philemon -- a letter from Paul to the owner of the slave Onesimus. Onesimus had left his master and met up with Paul, where he became a believer. Paul told Onesimus he needed to return to his master and make amends but he sent Philemon a letter saying,

"For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord." (Philemon 15-16)

Basically, Onesimus is coming back to you -- you are getting more than you had. Now you are getting a brother in Christ -- a beloved brother in Christ.

Other passages on love:

You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD. (Levitcus 19:18)

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:44-45)

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.(John 13:34)