In part 1, we unpacked the “as thyself” part of the second command to “love thy neighbour as thyself.” Now, let’s explore the “love thy neighbour” part of the command using the layers of Maslow's hierarchy.
The commandment to love our neighbours as ourselves is the second greatest command that Jesus taught to His disciples. Infusing Maslow's hierarchy of needs into our approach to loving our neighbours allows us to conceptualize their specific needs and tailor our support according to their circumstances. When we can integrate this approach in to our ministries, not only will we discover our compassion for others growing, our capacity to minister to others and evangelize become more effective.
Physiological Needs
At the base of Maslow's hierarchy are physiological needs such as food, water, and shelter. When we encounter someone struggling to meet these basic needs, our response should prioritize providing immediate assistance and resources to address their physical well-being. This might involve offering food, shelter, or connecting them with community resources that can provide essential support. If someone is malnourished in regards to these physiological needs, they are not going to be in a position to address their spiritual or emotional needs.
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
Matthew 25:42-45
Safety and Stability needs
Moving up the hierarchy, we require safety needs, including security and stability. For individuals facing threats to their safety and/or stability, whether physical or emotional, they will not be in a position to connect, develop lasting relationships, or any of the higher order needs on the hierarchy.
We know many people around us in our communities that function here on the hierarchy, especially post-covid. Those who struggle with safety and stability needs will have difficulty staying connected, they’ll likely be inconsistent in church attendance, they may not respond to messages consistently, and/or it will be difficult to set up plans with them, etc.
If someone is not physically or emotionally safe and stable, they will not possess the skills to achieve any sense of belonging or connection with others.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 2:42
Belongingness and Connection
Beyond safety, humans have an innate need for belongingness and connection. Loneliness and social isolation can have profound effects on one's well-being. As Christians, we can cultivate communities that strive to help others understand their value and worth, which will enhance their personal sense of belonging and connection.
And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Mark 10:29-31
Esteem
Esteem needs encompass feelings of accomplishment, recognition, and self-worth. Loving our neighbours in this context involves allowing them to use their strengths, talents, and expertise in the work of the church. It means encouraging them to pursue their goals, and celebrating their achievements along the way. By building up the self-esteem of others, we empower them to reach their fullest potential and live with confidence and dignity. We can read 1&2 Timothy to see how Paul did this for Timothy.
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
2 Timothy 1:5
Self-Actualization
At the top of Maslow's hierarchy is self-actualization, the realization of one's fullest potential and the pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment. As Christians, we believe that every individual has a soul and is valuable to God, our Father and Creator. Loving our neighbours in this context involves supporting them on their journey of self-discovery and actualization. It means providing opportunities for learning, growth, and self-expression, and encouraging them to live authentically and passionately.
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:2-4
Meeting others where they are
By understanding where individuals are on Maslow's hierarchy of needs, we can tailor our acts of love and kindness to meet them where they are most in need. Whether it's providing food to the hungry, offering a listening ear to the lonely, or empowering others to pursue godliness and peace, we can fulfill our calling to love our neighbours as ourselves in meaningful and impactful ways. As we strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ, may we seek to love others holistically, addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs with compassion and grace.