The Horizontal Dimension

For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.

Galatians 5:14, HCSB

A LARGE HOLE HAD BEEN dug as part of the excavation at a construction site. A number of workers were in the hole removing dirt when the walls collapsed around them. Rescuers began running in from everywhere, but the foreman stood by and watched the scene with detachment. Suddenly a woman called out from the construction office trailer: “Jim, your brother is in the hole!” Instantly, the foreman ran to the collapsed hole, stripped off his coat, and began digging for dear life. Why? Because his brother was in mortal danger and he had to get him out.

Our neighbor is anyone in danger, in need, in pain, or in trouble. We bear a responsibility to help. In helping, we obey Jesus’ command to love.

When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus gave not just one but two (see Matthew 22:36-40). The two are so integrally tied together that they almost function as one. Why? Because the essence of Christianity is love: loving God and loving people. Christ followers can’t have one without the other. A vertical dimension and a horizontal dimension must both be present. Christianity always moves in two directions: toward God and toward people. One of the ways a believer demonstrates his love for God is by loving others. It is in loving God and people that we identify and mark ourselves as Christians.

BOTTOM LINE

Do you know someone who is in a hole—spiritually, emotionally, or relationally? Whom you can help rescue?

Moment of Strength: 1 Peter 4:8