We all know the way Jesus highlighted this as the second most important commandment that had been given in Old Testament times: we are to “love God with all our heart and mind”, but also to “love our neighbour as ourselves” (Matt. 22:37-39).

One way, it seems to me, that we might apply this to ourselves as a church family—especially during these dark and sometimes depressing days of January and February—is to is to be intentional about inviting some of our immediate neighbours into our homes for a drink or a meal over the coming weeks. Many of us have been laid low by winter illnesses since Christmas, so it might be that we all need some cheering up!

So can I suggest that we see the next two weeks as a ‘Love Your Neighbour’ fortnight, in which we think of some way to offer some mid-winter hospitality? This might be to each other within the church or, perhaps especially, to those who live near to us but whom we haven’t seen as much as we might like. Jesus said that people will “know you are my disciples by your love” (John 13:35), so let’s be people who this winter spread a little of Christ’s love around the Valley—every little helps!

Revd Peter