Like a Good Neighbor

by Tom Goodman

When Jesus was asked what he considered the greatest of all commandments, he said “Love God with everything you’ve got, and love your neighbor as yourself.” But who is your neighbor?  

That senior adult couple across the street from you?

The roommates who share your adjoining duplex?

The family with the foreign accent two doors down?

Could Jesus have expected us to love our actual neighbors?

I think we all know the answer to that. The definition of “neighbor” means more than just your street’s residents, but it certainly doesn’t mean less than that.

And loving our neighbors starts with just knowing who they are. Their names. Their kids’ names. Where they moved from. How long they’ve lived here. What they think of the neighborhood. Where they work.

This Sunday we’ll challenge you to get to know your neighbors through two practical projects. One happens soon and one can happen now.

The first project is National Night Out. This is a nationwide effort promoted by police, EMS, and other first responders. The belief is that a neighborhood is safer when neighbors have a greater awareness of those around them. This year’s National Night Out is Tuesday, October 6. Your neighborhood may already have something scheduled. If not, see if you can get something organized!

The second project is easier and you can start it right away. Start implementing the “Walk Don’t Wave” rule. For most of us, the extent of our interaction with our neighbors is to wave at them as we get groceries out of the car or put out the trash cans. Here’s where the “Walk Don’t Wave” rule can help. Whenever you’re tempted to simply wave at a neighbor, walk instead. Walk over to him or her and strike up a conversation. It doesn’t have to be any more than a few minutes. You may end up developing a relationship, but at the least you’ll be able to greet them by name next time you see them.

National Night Out and the “Walk Don’t Wave” rule. These two projects may not sound very “spiritual,” but they are! The projects will get you taking the first step in obeying Christ’s command to love your neighbor as yourself. It has to start somewhere. I think it starts with a name and some conversation.

We’ll tell you more this Sunday. See you at 10!