"You must love your neighbor as yourself." So says Jesus in the Gospel of Mark chapter 12. I've always known this scripture, but recently I realized the power of these words.
On a trip to countries in Central Asia, I met many Christians who have to live under persecution from both the authorities and their fellow human beings. Despite this, I have really experienced a love for the people among the Christians in the country, and many churches do great diaconal work to spread love to people who do not know Christ.
In a conversation with one of the priests, I suddenly realized the consequences of loving the people around you. Through their work in the church, they create a relationship with the people they help. Persecuted Christians don't just want to help, they want community and relationships with their neighbors. Through these relationships, they create a voice in people's lives," says the pastor: If we don't achieve a relationship first, there is nowho will listen to us. It is through love for our neighbor that many can meet Jesus. By reflecting Jesus' love, it leads more people to him.
It makes me ask: Where do we have the right to speak into the lives of our fellow human beings? And how can we reflect Jesus' love for our neighbor in Denmark?
Jonas is a student assistant at the Danish European Mission.
