Love thy neighbor this Valentine’s Day
By Nicole Prince// Staff Writer
I’ve tried writing this article about three times with the intention of publishing something appropriate for Valentine’s Day. I’ve thought about writing a trendy list of gifts you could get for your Valentine or recommending some unique places to go for the perfect Valentine’s date. I’ve thought about being cliché about the subject of love, but too often does our culture shove love into that corner. Instead, I want some perspective and conversation.
I think we can all agree that the world and our society could use more loving kindness, not just on Valentine’s Day but every day. When asked by the Pharisees about the greatest commandment in the Law, Jesus said to love the Lord with heart, mind, and soul, followed by, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:36-40, KJV). The latter commandment raises questions though. What does it mean to love your neighbor? Who is our neighbor? How do we love him or her? How can we love someone who is unpleasant or unkind? Who else to gain perspective from than students on campus and abroad, studying humanitarianism, business, the arts, communications, etc.? Who better to converse with than people from all walks of life?
“I think it means that you have to show compassion for everyone, and while you cannot force yourself to love everyone because it is impossible to get along with everyone, it is imperative that we show respect regardless of gender, sexual orientation, differing political views, etc.,” said Estelle Rosse, High Point University journalism major. “To show acceptance and respect is the best way to show others that they are validated, appreciated and worthy of other people’s actual love.”
“I think to love thy neighbor means to act with integrity in and outside of a business decision where the outcome will benefit both parties,” said Annie Knabb, an HPU communications major working with a business and nonprofit. “Even within a nonprofit, equity is still needed for a sustainability investment. That being said, neighbors come in all forms of investors, interns and competitors where we all have the same goal of success. To love thy neighbor means that regardless of each entity’s business or economic endeavor, we don’t destroy the competitor, but allow for growth within the industry by helping other businesses while still helping your own; thus, ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’”
“I think it could maybe even refer to those outside of your comfort zone or community, maybe someone who lives a happy life as you do but goes about it differently or from the lens of a different culture,” said Carson Slosman, an HPU student considering an international business major. “You in your house live with a family, and you likely share values. Your neighbor is different from you in that they may not, and they live in a place with a home that might share different values. I think it more refers to that concept on a larger scale. Maybe suggesting we appreciate the differences or at least try to understand where our ‘neighbor’ comes from.”
“Love thy neighbor, to me, means that we should help those who are other who is in need,” said Wesley Wright, a UNCSA film alumnus. “Even those we don’t always care for, but when they are in true need of our help we are encouraged to step up and help out!”
“When you love your neighbor, you don’t judge them, you don’t hate them. You help them regardless of their situation or personality,” said Elijah Prince, a mechanic and professional motocross racer. “You always give a lending hand because you never know what people are going through.”
“To me, it’s about my everyday demeanor toward anyone and everyone I encounter on my way,” said Anton Schoeman, a UNISA human relations major and full-time carpenter. “How do I handle daily situations where someone irritates me, where a beggar asks for food and won’t accept no for an answer, or where another driver cuts me off, and I feel justified to rage and blow a gasket? ‘Love your neighbor’ rebukes me whenever I act in a less than Christian manner even though I may have reason to be agitated or aggrieved.”
The common denominator I’ve found in our conversations lies with helping, understanding and encouraging others, whether you know them or not, whether you get along with them or not, whether you are on the same path as them or not. I’ve come to understand that I don’t necessarily need a specific Valentine when I’ve got everyone to love. As a student body, High Point University’s students should be supportive of one another. If you say hello to one new person each day, I bet it could change your outlook a little on life and being kind to others. Good karma will always come back around. On this Valentine’s Day, every day, let’s lend a hand or two. Let’s be kind and supportive for the sake of being kind and supportive. Let’s share a smile because smiles are contagious. Let’s practice empathy and patience. Let’s have listening ears. Let’s love our neighbors and accept neighborly love in return.