Expanding the Love of Neighbor: Christ's Commandments Through the Lens of St. Francis of Assisi

At the heart of Christ’s teachings lie two fundamental commandments: to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength” and to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31). These commandments form the core of Christian ethics, prioritizing a deep love for God and compassion toward fellow humans. St. Francis of Assisi, one of Christianity’s most beloved saints, embraced these teachings wholeheartedly. However, Francis’s interpretation of “neighbor” went beyond human relationships, leading him to a profound kinship with all of creation—a perspective that distinguishes his spirituality and has inspired Christians for centuries.

In his Earlier Exhortation To the Brothers and Sisters of Penance, Francis opens with a reference to these commandments, establishing a direct link to Christ's words. But in his daily life, Francis expanded the definition of “neighbor” to include animals, plants, and the entire natural world. Stories of Francis preaching to birds, taming a wolf, and addressing the sun and moon as “Brother Sun” and “Sister Moon” illustrate a radical love for creation that was uncommon in his time. This extension of love reflects an interpretation of Christ's teachings that is uniquely Franciscan, as Francis saw all beings as interconnected parts of God’s family.

This broadened concept of neighbor highlights both an overlap and a significant difference in how Christ and Francis approached relationships. While Christ focused primarily on human relationships, teaching love, mercy, and forgiveness among people, Francis extended this view of love. His reverence for nature was an embodiment of his belief that everything created by God deserves respect and care—a perspective that has become especially relevant in today’s environmental consciousness.

However, Francis’s expanded love was not a departure from Christ's teachings but a deepening of them. Where Christ emphasized the value of each human life and God’s provision for creation, Francis internalized these teachings to foster a profound connection with all life forms. This view laid a foundation for what we now call ecological theology, which advocates for responsible stewardship and a holistic respect for creation.

In summary, while Christ's teachings form the ethical foundation for Christian love, Francis of Assisi demonstrated a way of living them out that includes all of creation. By interpreting “neighbor” to encompass every part of the natural world, Francis provided a model of universal love that resonates with modern environmental values. His life stands as a testament to the adaptability of Christ's commandments, showing that divine love can encompass all beings and bind humanity in unity with the natural world.