Undo the oppressing bundles

"Is not this rather the fast that I have chosen? Loose the bands of wickedness, undo the bundles that oppress, let them that are broken go free, and break asunder every burden. Deal thy bread to the hungry, and bring the needy and the harbourless into thy house; when thou shalt see one naked, cover him, and despise not thy own flesh. Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thy health shall speedily arise, and thy justice shall go before thy face, and the glory of the lord shall gather thee up." Isaias 58:6-8I have chosen a rather unique and rare version for this mornings scripture focus.  I like the way this version is written.  I am reminded today that our Christianity boils down to two things: loving Jesus, and loving our neighbor.  We know who Jesus is and we try to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.

Who is our neighbor?  Is it the one who lives next door to your house who you occasionally say a quick hello to? Is  it also the ones that you see who are in need and lack the very essential components of food, shelter, and clothing?  Is it the one who is oppressed by demons, and strung high and dry on every form of drug or alcohol?  Is it the old lady that you see everyday in the grocery store who graciously checks you out, knowing that if it was not for her minimum wage job she would go hungry?  Yes, and yes.  It is all of the above to only name a few.  

As Christ followers and Christ-(likers) we are called to faith and action.  We love not with our words, but with our hands and our feet.  We love by caring for, helping those, reaching out to, and embracing all who are lonely and void of love and hope.  Today I am challenged by this reality once again.  All life boils down to how well we love and how loud we love.  Love wins in the end, so love like never before.  Maybe you will entertain angels unaware?