I have heard it said by experts that to "love your neighbor as yourself" is humanly impossible; are there...?

Question

...any tangible examples of people who have done so?

The experts I referred to are some psychologists with PHD's. I am verydisappointed because no one has mentioned an obvious one which I thought of after posting the question; namely a human mother caring for her child whose love we are all dependent upon. Care to comment on this?

Answer 1

Oh come on. It doesn't mean "be passionately in love with everyone around you" it means don't be so obsessed with yourself that you overlook any one else's needs. Any woman who helps someone pick up something they dropped and didn't think "oh gosh i don't want to bend over and maybe wreck my pants" or someone that helped someone else carry luggage because they were overwhelmed wasnt thinking "oh gosh i'm going to be late to my terminal to sit for a half an hour" Someone who helps a stranger on the side of the road whose car broke down isn't thinking "well gosh I sure as hell don't want to use my mechanical expertise on someone who isn't going to pay me" any case dont probono, any volunteer work completed, the donation of any money. Get it together loser.

Answer 2

The whole quote (that I have heard, anyway) is that it IS humanly impossible without the Holy Spirit's help. No human, by fallen human nature, puts anyone else before -- or even equal to -- himself or herself. If you need proof of this, sign up for nursery duty some Sunday at church. Babies do not need to be taught to put themselves first, it just comes naturally to them because of our fallen human nature.

Many, many people sacrifice themselves daily on the behalf of others through the power and with the help of the Holy Spirit. We will never know who they are (on earth) because there are so many. They are also usually very quiet about it. Have you ever met someone in Christian service who could be earning tons more money somewhere else? That person is sacrificially putting others first, loving others more than himself or herself. Because of my work, I know quite a few of these folks; otherwise, I'd never have known they existed or were doing what they are. What about missionaries who give up creature comforts and safety and security to make sure that people they've never even met yet will be able to spend eternity with God through the saving work of Jesus Christ? They certainly put others first. It has to be done out of love and through the Spirit's power, or it just won't work.

Answer 3

There are tangible examples in all people. Someone doesn't have to do it every time to do it once.

Examples:

When a person checks his neighbor's mail while that neighbor is on vacation, that's an example.

When a person shovels the neighbor's snow, that's an example.

When someone stops to render aid to a person with a stalled car, that's an example.

The "impossible" part may be to do it all the time. But Mother Theresa is an example of someone who appears to have done it every day of her life.

Answer 4

The Salvation Army, Red Cross, etc. who came to the aid of the Hurricane Katrina victims. Even in your very city or town the soup kitchens that feed the hungry and poor and the needy. These are all fine examples of love your neighbor as yourself. Why? Because it's getting out of yourself and actually giving a darned about those around you and taking care of them and their needs. Get it?

Answer 5

I believe there is one its Jesus Christ he was made flesh and lived a perfect life to die for our sins. I am also sure that you could also find men and women across the world and in every city that have sacrificed everything for others people. If I look at the love I have for my wife and children and could translate that love to everyone that's what it would be like. It is impossible to do this everyday and every second but we should at least try.

Answer 6

I think it is impossible. Especially when considering the physical portrayals of Love. I have some neighbors that are a bit edgy and really don't want them to express their love for themselves in the same way towards me.

Answer 7

From a Christian standpoint, it isn't really about whether or not it's possible, just that we're supposed to do it. When we fail, we ask for forgiveness.

Offhand, Mother Theresa did a pretty good job, I think.

Answer 8

Yes there are.

Now...give your authorities who made this claim. By the way...the only possible scientific way to prove your statement would be by survey, which always has a percentage of unreliability. So, I guess what you heard is just a myth.

Answer 9

Jesus. My family. Myself.

Anytime someone is taking time out to encourage, motivate, rescue, and even counsel another. Someone who aids the needs of a stranger.

Is that answering your question?

Answer 10

In context with other scriptures (such as below) we understand that humans already love themselves; caring for their bodies and nourishing and grooming themselves. We go to great lengths to care for ourselves, yet we are a cold societythese days that centers on "self" instead of others.

"Love thy neighbor as thyself" reminds us that we are to care for others as much as we care for ourselves (compassion, and empathy).

So far, only Jesus can truly claim fulfillment of the passages.