And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31

My family recently moved, and before we even unpacked a box, our neighbors were at the door to welcome us. No joke—two plates of cookies in one day. Our next-door neighbor even mowed our lawn. Twice. 

These neighbors? Easy to love. Easy to live next to.

But our last neighborhood? Different story. The police would show up every other month. We rarely saw anyone outside. No cookies. No small talk. Just distance. And to be honest… I wish I had tried more. Mowed their lawn or knocked on their door. 

Did I miss out on the “more” Jesus invites us into? 

When Jesus said, “Love your neighbor,” who was He really talking about?

It’s not just the ones who make the best M&M cookies or mow your lawn in 100-degree heat. Or just the ones next door.

He didn’t limit it to those who are thoughtful, friendly, or easy to love. He meant everyone—especially the ones we would rather avoid...or who tend to avoid us. Those who are far off.

The outcast. The overlooked. The Samaritan. 

Your ex. Your political opposite. 

The barista who got your order wrong. 

Your brother, who still hasn’t apologized. 

This kind of love isn’t just “being nice.” It's inconvenient. It’s sacrificial. 

To love your neighbor is to say with your life: “You matter deeply to me—because you matter deeply to God.” 

It’s forgiveness when the grudge feels justified. 

It’s generosity that costs something.

It’s honesty when lying would be easier.

Love the neighbors who bring you cookies. Love the ones who don’t do it back. Be intentional with the ones you'd normally avoid.

Loving your neighbor isn't defined by the way you feel, but by how you live. 

Love people deeply.

Not because it’s easy, but because you love God.