Neighbors: What They Do

One of my fondest memories of my time in a previous appointment was of how different our neighbors were. To our left we had a family of four. Two elementary aged children, a stay at home mother and a father who worked downtown. On our right was a younger couple, closer in age to us. A family of four with two daughters under 4. The mother was a nurse and the father worked in Disaster Services for the State. 

We would all see each other coming and going, being cordial along the way. The family on the left was often out and about. They would regularly have people over and knock on our door as well. A personable family with joyous energy. They could be heard daily in the backyard, enjoying each other’s company. The family on the right, was equally friendly, but more reserved. You’d see him tending to the lawn weekly and her on occasion with the girls in the yard. If it weren’t for the car in the driveway, many times you wouldn’t know they were there.

The event that would bring us all together would be a snow storm. During the winter months, we were snowed upon frequently. With robotic consistency, each of us would come together to help each other to make safe paths in the snow. For however long it took, before anyone would go back in, all three driveways would be cleared.

Philippians 2:4 says this, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

In my previous post, I stated, “A neighbor is not defined by the proximity in which they live, but by the community in which they experience.” Good neighbors look out for each other and we have been commanded to be good neighbors.

So what do we do?

1. To be a good neighbor, we must be both present and aware of the opportunities to build relationship. God has placed each of us in a crucial role concerning His kingdom.
2. To be a good neighbor, we must be willing to go into another person’s yard and meet them where they are.
3. To be a good neighbor, we must be willing to go into other people’s driveway and help them do the work as they also help you.
4. To be a good neighbor is to partake in mutually beneficial engagements. We must be careful to understand that mutually beneficial does not always mean they benefit us equally. Our benefit comes from fulfilling the will of Christ and through this we may gain a friend because of that obedience.

 

Prayer

Dear God, help us to find the courage to be good neighbors. Help us to discover the benefits of experiencing community. Keep us encouraged to share your love with others as they experience that love through us.