37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ – Matthew 22:37-39
As a mom, one of the most important things I want to teach my boys is to “love their neighbor”; To value differences, to see God’s masterpiece in diversity, and to be kindly curious about other’s cultures, customs, and points of view.
But how can we teach this virtue in a way that lasts in a world bombarded with hate, racist slurs, and discrimination?
First, we must not let the world determine how we parent. We must study parents of the bible and pray relentlessly for guidance and for the hearts of our children. Next, we demonstrate what “love your neighbor” looks like.
Here are some “love your neighbor” acts that families with kids of all ages can participate in.
- Smile + Say hello. Never underestimate the power of a smile! Teach your kids to look into their neighbors eyes, smile, and say “hello”. This seemingly small act of kindness holds a great amount of power and love!
- Deliver a blessing bag. Bake cookies and include a handwritten note in a simple brown paper bag. Deliver this “blessing bag” to your next door neighbor, to the homeless on the corner, to the cashier at the grocery store near your house, or to the kid no one played with at the park… let someone know you thought of them and that Jesus loves them! NOTE: You can fill this bag with whatever you like! Ask your kids for suggestions.
- Invite to church. Share the good news of Jesus with those around you! Invite them to attend church with you!
- Invite them to play! Check out our other blog posts for great family friendly games and invite kids + families around you over to participate in the fun!
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