Follow the Master’s command: Love your neighbour as you love yourself

How’s your day so far? Enjoyable, miserable or poko-poko. Caribbean definition of poko-poko: to take it easy. If you can’t say how yuh feeling right now, no problem, that’s a common response. Have you done anything to contribute to your present situation? Check. Did you know that by just loving your neighbour: wishing them well, giving them a helping hand even at a sacrifice, your day can be joyful? Yes ... and it gets better when you “love your neighbour as yourself” as commanded by the Master’.

This may be a no-brainer or even sound like a scratched record, but I’ll say it still. Loving your neighbour as yourself is about treating others with the same kindness, care, and compassion that you would want for yourself. This is a concept rooted in biblical teachings.

Here’s what loving neighbour as self looks like in practical terms: loving your neighbour without expecting compensation – not with a what’s-in-it-for-me attitude! Wonder if the reason why a visually impaired neighbour in St Mary is not getting the assistance he badly needs, is that neighbours can’t see what’s in it for them. Would hope not! Loving neighbour as self also means to be empathic and compassionate – being moved to help others to the full extent of your ability, showing genuine concern as you would for yourself or child.

Mi neighbours, loving your neighbour as yourself means genuinely looking out for the interest of others. This involves being tolerant of their shortcomings, thus making forgiveness and understanding possible despite the grievance they may cause! And what a relief the act of forgiveness brings to the forgiver! Don’t have space to highlight the benefits. The proof of the pudding is in the taste. Taste it and you’ll never stop forgiving even your worst enemies.

Oops! Before I forget, loving your neighbour as yourself is not just a suggestion, but a commandment that is coupled with loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. It’s about extending the love and care that God has shown us, regardless of their background or circumstances. Take it seriously, it will matter on the last day. By the way, are you ready for the rapture?

To go a bit further, treating others with respect, gratitude, and appreciation, giving your full attention when someone speaks, showing interest in their thoughts and feelings, offering assistance here and there, sharing words of encouragement with the discouraged, mourning with those who mourn, etc., are all part and parcel of loving your neighbour as self. Let’s not forget the old Jamaican saying: tedeh fi mi, tomorrow fi yuh. Not wishing you ill. Just urging us to be conscious of how interdependence we are. Be dependable.

Let me switch gear here. Loving your neighbour as yourself can work wonders for your day, but let me not be narrow-minded. There are some common things that people do that prevent them from enjoying life. “Kill dem dead”, there is always a “dead lion in the road” and they can’t pass him. They can never see the silver lining behind the dark cloud, however blinding its brilliance.

Their thought patterns are eternally negative.

Their minds are unfortunately clouded with overthinking, pessimism, self-criticism, procrastination, suspicion, fears and doubts, etc. Let me remind them:

* Excessive thinking can lead to anxiety and stress.

* A negative outlook can prevent people from enjoying life’s experiences.

* Being overly critical of oneself can lead to low self-esteem and decreased enjoyment.

*Putting off important tasks can lead to stress and decreased enjoyment.

Other things to bear in mind as your’e invited to make that switch today:

* Excessive work hours can lead to burnout and decreased quality of life.

* substance abuse or other unhealthy coping mechanisms can cost your family, friends, job, and ultimately your life

* Being bothered by the successes of others can lead to feelings of inadequacy, decreased usefulness as depression rises.

Could go on to talk about how competing with others, neglecting physical health, holding onto grudges, fear of failure, etc. can mess up your day, but that could make your dsy a little more messy....

Hope I’ve inspired someone to start making those adjustments that will inure to a more enjoyable life here and beyond.