Love Beyond Social Norms
Matthew 5:46-47 - A Neville Goddard interpretation
Read Matthew 5 in context
Scripture Focus
Biblical Context
Plainly, the passage says rewarding love cannot come from loving only those who love you. The real reward arises when your inner disposition extends mercy to all, beyond social reciprocation.
Neville's Inner Vision
Verse 46 and 47 interrupt your habit of measuring value by reciprocity. If you love only those who love you, you remain in a small circle of cause and effect. Your reward is not sought in the clamor of outward praise, but in the quiet inner consciousness that you, as the I AM, are the source of all love. When you imagine yourself as the very essence of mercy, you begin to act from a state, not from a memory of debt owed. Love is not earned by favors returned; it is the nature of God within you to be inclusive—neighbors, strangers, even the publicans, are images of your own divine capacity. By gently revising your inner stance—see yourself already blessed and surrounded by universal affection—you tilt the outer world to reflect it back. Your greetings and kindness then become evidence of the Kingdom within: you do not do more than others; you outdo them by the depth of your inner state.
Practice This Now
Close your eyes and declare, 'I AM love,' feeling it as a present reality toward all beings. Today, when you greet someone, imagine the other as the I AM in disguise and let your greeting carry inclusive mercy; feel it real.
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