Loving Your Jewish Neighbor as Yourself
Understanding Our Shared Spiritual Heritage
The Adventist faith is deeply connected to the Jewish people? The Bible we read, the commandments we follow, and even Jesus Himself were all part of God’s story through Israel. Romans 11:17 reminds us that as Christians, we have been “grafted in” to God’s promises to His people. But despite our shared spiritual roots, many Jewish people have never encountered Jesus as their Messiah. As followers of Christ, we are called to love and build relationships with our Jewish neighbors in a way that reflects God’s heart.
Jesus’ Love for the Jewish People
Jesus was born into a Jewish family, lived a Jewish life, and ministered first to the people of Israel. He wept over Jerusalem, longing for His people to recognize God’s plan for them (Luke 19:41-42). Even as He sent His disciples to spread the Gospel to all nations, He reminded them to begin with “the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 10:6). His example teaches us that sharing the love of God with Jewish people requires compassion, understanding, and respect for their history.
Building Bridges, Not Barriers
One of the biggest mistakes we can make is approaching Jewish people with an attitude of superiority or debate. Instead of trying to convince them that they are wrong, we should focus on what we share: a belief in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and a love for His Word. Many Jewish people have faced persecution throughout history, sometimes even from those claiming to follow Jesus. Our mission is to break down walls and build friendships based on genuine love.
Ways to Show Christ’s Love to Our Jewish Friends
- Learn About Their Faith – Understanding Jewish traditions and beliefs will help us connect on a deeper level.
- Celebrate Common Ground – The Old Testament is part of both our faiths, and we can find unity in God’s promises.
- Show Respect and Kindness – Acts of love speak louder than words. Be a friend before trying to share your faith.
- Pray for Them – Ask God to open hearts and provide opportunities for meaningful conversations.
A Gospel of Love, Not Pressure
The message of Jesus is one of love and invitation, not force. In Romans 1:16, Paul declares, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” The Gospel is meant for all, but it must be shared in a way that reflects Jesus’ heart—a heart of grace, patience, and humility.
Will You Be a Bridge of Love?
God calls us to be His representatives in every relationship. Whether at school, work, or in our community, we have opportunities to show Christ’s love to those around us, including our Jewish neighbors. Instead of avoiding difficult conversations, let’s enter them with kindness and a desire to learn. Who knows? Your love and friendship could be the first step in someone’s journey to discovering Jesus.
Prayer Points
- Pray that God will help us build genuine friendships with our Jewish neighbors.
- Pray for opportunities to share Christ’s love in ways that are respectful and meaningful.
- Pray that Jewish people around the world will come to know Jesus as their Messiah.
- Pray for our own hearts, that we may approach all people with humility and grace.
- Let’s be a light in our community, reflecting God’s love to everyone we meet!
We’re inviting you to our youth-led fellowship and prayer on 22-03-2025 at Bunbury SDA. Whether you’ve been part of the group for a while or you’re looking for a community to belong to, this is for you! Come for worship, connection, and encouragement as we step deeper into God’s mission together.
Also, if you have any prayer requests or questions, we invite you to use our chat bot to reach out—we’d love to support you! 💙
