Love God. Love People.

My dear friend, Dan, could have had his life summed up in this manner: love God. Love people. I think of him often these days as life begins to take shape in Austin. The Lord is moving in this city, and He is inviting us to be a part of it!
I have been reading My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers. Another dear friend (or more like a kindred soul) sent it to me in the mail from California. Today's reading states:

"Our Lord has told us how love to Him is to manifest itself 'Lovest thou Me?' 'Feed My sheep'--identify yourself with My interests in other people, not, identify Me with your interests in other people."

Jesus put it this way (several times):

Matthew 22:37-40 (New International Version)
37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'[a] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[b] 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Mark 12:30-31 (New International Version)
30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'[a] 31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[b]There is no commandment greater than these."

Luke 10:26-28 (New International Version)
26"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
27He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'[a]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[b]"
28"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."

Growing up in the church, I heard a lot that "love your neighbors" did not mean your literal neighbors, but everyone you come into contact with. I think it would serve well to include your literal neighbors into that category. We often see our neighbors on a daily basis, and that is the sort of thing that challenges our consistency with our walk. When they live next door they could hear our laughter or our fights. When they come into our home they see what is "us" on at least a weekly basis (for Bible study). The nature of living in apartments brings people a lot closer. And it seems that the opportunity to love our neighbors is abundant!

Loyalty to Jesus Christ is the supernatural work of Redemption wrought in me by the Holy Ghost Who sheds abroad the love of God in my heart, and that love works efficaciously through me in contact with everyone I meet. -Oswald Chambers

We love because He first loved us (I John 4:19)! We have hope because of His resurrection! He provided grace as an unlimited resource to share!

Who are your neighbors?
What are their names?
What are their pets/kids names?
Where do they work?
Do they have hope in their salvation?