Inspire

 “Teacher,” he asked, “which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself.’ The whole Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets depend on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV)

Ash Wednesday is almost upon us and each year we have another chance to reflect on God’s love for us, demonstrated through the sacrifice of his only son, Jesus. 

Harmony Day will also be celebrated in the school community this term. This day challenges us to welcome and embrace each other, regardless of difference or, in other words, to ‘Love our neighbour as we love ourself.’

How do we encourage children to "love your neighbour as yourself"? What an incredibly difficult challenge to ask a child to live up to. If this is something that we all struggle with, how then do we teach this to children? 

This begins individually, with each of us acting as an example of God’s love. If we meet the challenge to love our neighbours as ourselves, and drive away intolerance and hate, we have the potential to reveal to all who witness our actions and attitudes, the true meaning of the teachings of Jesus. 

We are blessed to have such a diverse community at St Paul. The richness of this diversity allows us meet the challenge of love laid out by Jesus on a daily basis. 

Submitted by Jason Fay