Jesus had some straight words for the way we treat the folks next door. In fact, He drew three parallel lines, telling us that there is direct relationship between what we believe about our Heavenly Father, what we believe about our self and how we handle the folks just on the other side of our lot lines or apartment walls. Exactly what kind of neighbor are you? How well does your love for others match your love for God?
A friendly "hello," picking up trash in someone else's yard, delivering a plate of cookies to celebrate a special occasion, offering help with a sick child or a ride to the airport-looking for ways to connect with neighbors impacts the people on your street. Amazing as this might sound, these acts of loving-kindness may be as persuasive in introducing them to Jesus Christ as any seminar you could ever take them to.
Think about this as well. Jesus wasn't limiting the command to "love our neighbor as we love ourselves" to just our literal neighbors. The neighbors Jesus speaks about encompasses others with whom we come in contact- the difficult teacher, the coach of our daughters softball team, the cashier at the grocery store.What a practical challenge from the loving God who reaches out to us!
This was a little devo in my moms bible. They based it off of Mark 12:30-31. I thought it was really good and convicted me to do more. Most of our neighbors are just neighbors and I don't do much other than smile to them here and there. So I realized that I can be doing more! :)
~Amber :)
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