Final answer:
The student's question pertains to the Christian tenets of loving God and loving one's neighbor, where the greatest commandment according to Jesus is to love God and the second is to love all neighbors, not just those who are similar to oneself.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around the principles of Christian faith, particularly focusing on the greatest commandment according to Jesus, which is to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, followed by loving one's neighbor as oneself. The dilemma posed questions why many Christians seem to love only those who are similar to them, instead of embracing the broader concept of love as taught by Jesus.
Desire to please and serve God can be considered evidence of love for God while wholehearted obedience to His commandments is how love for God is often manifested. Additionally, the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind. However, the Scriptures also urge followers to love their neighbors, which extends beyond mere adherence to the law; it requires empathy, compassion, and unconditional love that transcends barriers of race, appearance, and geographical boundaries.
Despite the clear instructions found in the Bible, the selective love shown by some Christians denotes a contradiction between the principle of universal love and their actions. This selective notion of love, which excludes those who differ in appearance or locality, contradicts the core Christian teaching of universal brotherly love and the inherent dignity of all humans.