Several times in scripture Jesus teaches through his actions and words, answering the question “How should we love our neighbors?” On the night that He was arrested, knowing that Judas had already betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver and that Peter would betray him three times before the rooster crowed that following morning, Jesus humbled himself and washed all of his disciples feet. He didn’t just wash those who sided with him.

What’s more is that after washing their feet, Jesus shared his final meal with them. Jesus demonstrated love to everyone equally, even those he knew were soon going to betray him. There was room for everyone at his table.

Likewise, we hear Jesus teaching parables of the lost sheep and the lost son. The power in the first parable is that Jesus says we should leave the 99 who are not hurting or lost and pursue the one who is hurting or lost.

And, in the parable of the lost son, while it is powerful that the father stood watch every day awaiting his wayward son’s return and celebrating jubilantly when he finally came home, one character who is often forgotten is the other son, who was always with the Father and never left. Upon the arrival of his prodigal brother, this brother goes to the Father and says, “what about me? You’ve never celebrated me!” To which the Father responded, “you have always been with me and all I have is yours.” Essentially, the Father said, “you don’t need the extra support. It doesn’t take away from how I feel about you, so don’t be jealous of your brother.” (Leah’s Version)

Who is hurting? Who needs to be celebrated? Who needs to be accepted without judgement? It could be a person you know. It could be a person you encounter. It could be a group of people. Don’t judge. Listen to learn. Don’t be jealous that other individuals or groups are getting attention. They need it. And it doesn’t take anything away from you to support them.

There is enough love to go around. God’s love is bigger than we can even begin to imagine, and he can lavish love upon others, especially those who are hurting and lost, without taking away any of his love for you. There is room for everyone at His table.