I thank God for our neighbors!
After nearly two years of apartment living, I longed for connection with my neighbors. I wanted to know and be known by those living near me which I found challenging in the apartment context. When we moved out of the apartment to a growing area south of Denver, I prayed for community and connection with those who lived near to us: our new neighbors.
Neighbor – Someone who lives near another person or place. Someone who crosses your path. Anyone in need.
In the last month, my neighbors and I shared meals, garden produce, and chats over the fence and in the alley. Others rescued our broken sprinkler systems, helped our dog sitter with a stuck electrical box, and shared handyman information. Gracie and the neighborhood dogs bark, play together, and occasionally get into mischief.
Just this morning, I shared herbs with a neighbor walking by for her upcoming meals and another neighbor fixed an irrigation tube in our yard that we accidentally punctured. Most neighbors have savored cucumbers, peppers, zucchini, and peppers from our garden, and we have enjoyed baked goods like breads and muffins from the bakers in the neighborhood. Sharing together makes living near one another a joy.
We come from different backgrounds, generations, ethnicities, and religions. We ascribe to a variety of passions, hobbies, and interests. Yet, as neighbors, we text to check in on one another and help each other out when needs arise. We have experienced new babies, birthdays, death, travel, as well as national and world issues together. I thank God for our neighbors.
In what ways do you thank God for the people He has placed near you: the people in your home, next door, across the street, and down the road?
We aren’t perfect neighbors, but we endeavor to respect one another and grow in connection and community. Conversations ebb and flow from brief simple surface-level connection to deep authentic pondering. As neighbors we stimulate one another in the ways we live.
Take a moment to thank God that you don’t have to be perfect to love your neighbors.
As a lover of Jesus, I endeavor to love my neighbor, to look out for them, and to have their interest in mind. I look for ways to care for those around me. For me, when I walk Gracie, I pray to let the light and love of Jesus flow through us to everyone we encounter. She and I often stop along the way for brief visits with others walking the path or sitting out in their yard. I want the love of God to brighten the days of the neighbors we come across.
How do you invite neighbors to engage with you?
God revealed His heart for humanity when He commanded His people to love their neighbor as themselves (Leviticus 19:18). Love begins with God, who is Love, and moves outward towards others. Just as we desire care, community, and connection for ourselves, we extend this same attitude and action towards others. When walking the earth, Jesus reiterated this command by giving it utmost importance:
One of them, an expert in the law, tested him [Jesus] with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:35-40)
With the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus further portrayed the neighbor as one who offered mercy – loving the one in need simply because they bear the image of God (Luke 10:25-37). Caring for and connecting with others. because they reflect the creative design of God, demonstrates the love of neighbor. When we live in this way, community forms which can lead to experiencing community with our Triune God.
A taste of care, connection, and community on earth opens doors to share the hope of ultimate care, connection, and community found in God. Maybe that is why God doesn’t just suggest we love our neighbors, but commands this attitude and action — it draws others into His salvific presence, which is the Gospel.
Love your neighbors. Share yourself with them. Let your care, connection, and community with those living near you shine the light and love of God. Pray for the Spirit of God to draw your neighbors into His eternal loving presence. Experience the joy of being a neighbor 😊.
This week – – –
Reflect. Resting in the love of God, reflect on your attitude and actions towards your neighbors. What makes loving your neighbor easy or hard? Talk with God about what bubbles up. What excuses arise within you about engaging your neighbor? How might God invite you to think of the interests of those around you?
Request. Thank God for the place He has put you. Thank Him for where you live. Ask God to give you His eyes and heart for those who live close by to you. Yield your will to Him. Lay down any barriers to connection with your neighbors. Spend some time thanking God for your neighbors and praying for their surrender to the Lover of their souls.
Receive. Rest in the presence of God. Take in God’s extravagant love for you. His love brings care…, connection…, and community…Be in His eternal presence being loved.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Luke 10:36-37 – “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
1 John 4:11-12 – Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Tom Berlin. Reckless Love: Jesus’ Call to Love Our Neighbor. Nashville, TN. 2019.
Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon. The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door. Grand Rapids, MI. 2012.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Evan Craft. Good Neighbor. Click here to watch and listen.
Jaime Kimmett. Love Your Neighbor. Click here to watch & listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
July 24-28 – South Carolina, The Abbey at Pawley’s Island. – Generosity Monk and Soulcare Anchoress speak on generosity