Your Daily Slice

ELUL 11

My Neighbor

“…let everyone express the truth with his neighbor, for we are all parts of one body and members one of another.” (Eph 4:25 AMPC)

The word that has been translated as ‘neighbor’ is the Greek word plēsion (Strong’s G4139), and literally means one that is close by. It can also mean a fellow countryman, such as a member of the Hebrew nation, or it can simply be a neighbor. Regardless of the interpretation of this word, the instructions remain concerning honesty and truthfulness.

I have written much in the past concerning the words that we speak, and the importance of weighing our words BEFORE we utter them. What I would like to turn our focus on is the ‘neighbor’ that is not a Torah keeper, someone who does not believe the way that we do. I am relatively certain that I am not the only person who has been ‘put on the spot’ concerning why I believe the way I believe, and why I do the things that I do. And the question of the hour is how do I respond?

Do I express the truth, according to Torah – in love – or do I merely give my opinion? Am I arrogant and filled with superiority as I relay my beliefs to someone who is seeking truthful answers? And is my attitude the best Torah example that I can show to this person? Am I showing honor to one who was also created in the image of our Elohim? And do I love my neighbor as myself?

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another …” (Rom 12:10 LBP)

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