The Message Translatin (MSG)

Who is my neighbor?

It's not just the man or woman living next door, though they would be a great place to start; it's actually everyone you meet.

Here in Micah 6:6, the question is posed: How can I stand up before God? (or: What can we bring to the Lord? (NLT))

Granted, it's the Old Testament, but it's every bit as true today as it was then.

Do you know the answer?

"Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously."

In other words: show them the heart of the Father, like Jesus did.

That's quite an answer, isn't it?

Not sacrifices or offerings to impress God, but showing love to your neighbor ("to love mercy," NKJV says).

That's a tricky answer. I mean, we love to DO things for God, like sacrificing animals in the OT. Bring on the bulls! But the truth is, anyone can do that. What's the state of your heart? God sees your heart—the motivation behind your actions.

And it's a lot harder when your neighbor involves someone who votes for the other guy or gal, or someone of a different denomination, or of a different sexual orientation or (fill in the blank).

And yet, that's what God wants: to be compassionate and loyal in your love.

It's not about you. It's not about condoning their lifestyle. It's really not. Jesus had prostitutes and criminals following Him around. He didn't condone their lifestyle but loved them anyway.

Learn how to love by loving God.

God IS love. When you start to really love Him, it rubs off on you.

Anybody can find fault with another and show them their errors (oh, how we love to do that!). We just love to put people in boxes. But not a whole lot of people know how to love.

When you truly know how to love, you'll know how to show people a better way, the right way.

Look at Jesus. He even included 'enemies' in the list. But people who lived in sin wanted to be with Him. Why? He showed them a better way.

Talk is cheap. Learn how to be and do love.

People are a lot more inclined to follow your advice when they see you walk the talk.

And in doing so, you'll take God seriously.

In the end, it's all about Him.

So lighten up on yourself. 😉