Love Thy Neighbor?

As a minister of the gospel, one thing that irritates me is when people handle the word of God deceitfully (2 Corinthians 4:2) to get something they want without acknowledging all of its commands. Sometimes I deal with pushy panhandlers who insist the Bible commands me to “feed the poor.” I reply by pointing out the Bible also says, “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10) 

During a recent vaccine mobilization event in Detroit, Vice President Kamala Harris declared we should all get vaccinated because it is “…the very essence of what the Bible tells us when it says, ‘Love thy neighbor.’ Right?” Wrong! Jesus actually said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Yes, we should look out for the welfare of others. That doesn’t mean we have to neglect our own. If vaccinations are so wonderful, why are vaccinated people still getting COVID-19? Others who have gotten jabbed have experienced side effects and even died!


On a related note, I’m so tired of people using the “love your neighbor” mantra to promote mask mandates. While I wore one on a Southwest flight a few months ago, the pilot announced on the intercom he was wearing a mask for me just like I was wearing one for him. Baloney! The pilot was inside the cockpit, where he is not required to put on a mask.


James 2:8-9 repeats the “love your neighbor” command but then goes on to say, “…if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” Governments and businesses are now offering rewards and perks to the vaccinated. I see this as bribery and discrimination. 


Love doesn’t pressure people to do questionable things that could harm their health. The best way for Christians to “love your neighbor” is not by getting vaccinated or wearing a mask but by obeying the Great Commission, which includes healing the sick.


“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature…And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons…they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” - Mark 16:15, 17-18

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