Be honest. Would you want to live next door to you?
Something has happened to the good old American neighborhood. Those who grew up
with shows like Andy Griffith, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, Cheers, or
even Friends carry a longing for a neighborhood that actually works. We
want to live next door to Aunt Bea or Chandler Bing. We’d even welcome quirky
neighbors like Cosmo or Sheldon. Wouldn’t it be nice to stroll across the
backyard in the evening to draw upon the wisdom of Wilson, our neighbor on the other
side of the fence, as we process a problem or crisis? We don’t need a home
where the buffalo roam. We need a front porch with a swing or rocking chairs for
neighbors to stop by to swap stories, insights, opinions, hurts and even
disappointments.
Summer is here! Before winter drives us back inside our castles, we have about four months to build bridges. When the cold hits, our chariots drive up, drawbridges rise up and down, and lights go on inside. Other than dealing with snow, there are few signs of human life in our castles.
Who is your neighbor? Our neighbor is anyone in our proximity with whom we can share God’s love. We’re called not only to love those similar to us or with whom we’re comfortable, but all whom God places in our path. Jesus said, “I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives His best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. In a word, what I’m saying is, ‘Grow up.’ You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” (Matthew 5:44-48, The Message).
As God shows love to all people, as His children, you and I are commanded to do the same. We are to work to help our neighbors to connect our stories to the greater story that God is creating in the world. Developing relationships with your neighbors will help you all feel cared for rather than isolated. Most of us have half a dozen neighbors in close proximity. How can we grow in the art of neighboring?
Know their name. Know the names of their children. All of us have had that blank brain moment. Here’s a tool for remembering their names – pray for them. Add them to your prayer list for your Quiet Time. Pray for them as a family before you eat a meal. As you pray, ask God to help you notice and care about the needs of those who live near you. Ask Him to empower you to be flexible with your schedule so you can accommodate neighbors.
Ask the Lord to help you move from a lifestyle of busyness to one of conversation and community. Adopt a slower pace so you’ll have time to develop relationships with neighbors. Ask God to help you say “no” to even some good activities so you can focus on what’s more important, building relationships with neighbors. Too many of us cram our lives with family and Christian friends so that there’s no space for relationships with neighbors. Be flexible about your daily agenda. Be willing to be interrupted or inconvenienced so you can love your neighbors as God wants you to.
Ask God for courage. Many never had making new friends modeled for them, so it can be intimidating. Some of our neighbors are as nervous of approaching us, as we are of them. Very few people are actually dangerous. They’re usually just normal people with maybe some interesting quirks. Remember God has placed a desire to be accepted, and cared for in everyone’s life. Neighbors will usually welcome your efforts to get to know them. Take the initiative to break through the isolation in your neighborhood. It can be something as simple as taking over cookies. If you grow a garden share with neighbors. If you buy fresh vegetables, buy a little extra to be able to give some away. Thoughtfulness touches hearts.
Be the neighbor that you wish you had. If you have friends over for a party, keep the noise down. Shut things down early so as not to keep neighbors awake. If you can, invite them to join you. If you have a pet, keep it in your yard. If it barks, bring it inside quickly. If you have young children, teach them to respect the boundaries of fences and sidewalks.
Converse wisely with your neighbors. Listen more than you talk. Ask questions to learn who they are and they’re interests. Everyone has a story and longs for others to listen to them and care. It’s why social media is so popular. If you differ on politics, social issues, or lifestyle choices, listen – gain new insights and perspectives. Look at life from their worldview. Never argue or be belligerent. Be a bridge builder, not a wall builder.
That statement about Jesus should challenge us: “Jesus was the friend of sinners.” God hasn’t called us to only be friends with nice, churchy people. He’s called us to reach our world like He did. He left heaven and came into this world because He loved people like us…and we’re a big mess. He placed us in our neighborhoods and wants us to get outside of our safe homes and yards to show His love to those around us. Your neighborhood is your mission field. How are you doing on being Jesus there?
Recently, I happened on a blog entitled “12 Days of Neighboring.” Summer is about 12 weeks, why not use some of its ideas to make this summer “12 Weeks of Neighboring”? Here’s the link: https://www.watermark.org/blog/12-days-of-neighboring
Summer is here! Before winter drives us back inside our castles, we have about four months to build bridges. When the cold hits, our chariots drive up, drawbridges rise up and down, and lights go on inside. Other than dealing with snow, there are few signs of human life in our castles.
Who is your neighbor? Our neighbor is anyone in our proximity with whom we can share God’s love. We’re called not only to love those similar to us or with whom we’re comfortable, but all whom God places in our path. Jesus said, “I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives His best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. In a word, what I’m saying is, ‘Grow up.’ You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” (Matthew 5:44-48, The Message).
As God shows love to all people, as His children, you and I are commanded to do the same. We are to work to help our neighbors to connect our stories to the greater story that God is creating in the world. Developing relationships with your neighbors will help you all feel cared for rather than isolated. Most of us have half a dozen neighbors in close proximity. How can we grow in the art of neighboring?
Know their name. Know the names of their children. All of us have had that blank brain moment. Here’s a tool for remembering their names – pray for them. Add them to your prayer list for your Quiet Time. Pray for them as a family before you eat a meal. As you pray, ask God to help you notice and care about the needs of those who live near you. Ask Him to empower you to be flexible with your schedule so you can accommodate neighbors.
Ask the Lord to help you move from a lifestyle of busyness to one of conversation and community. Adopt a slower pace so you’ll have time to develop relationships with neighbors. Ask God to help you say “no” to even some good activities so you can focus on what’s more important, building relationships with neighbors. Too many of us cram our lives with family and Christian friends so that there’s no space for relationships with neighbors. Be flexible about your daily agenda. Be willing to be interrupted or inconvenienced so you can love your neighbors as God wants you to.
Ask God for courage. Many never had making new friends modeled for them, so it can be intimidating. Some of our neighbors are as nervous of approaching us, as we are of them. Very few people are actually dangerous. They’re usually just normal people with maybe some interesting quirks. Remember God has placed a desire to be accepted, and cared for in everyone’s life. Neighbors will usually welcome your efforts to get to know them. Take the initiative to break through the isolation in your neighborhood. It can be something as simple as taking over cookies. If you grow a garden share with neighbors. If you buy fresh vegetables, buy a little extra to be able to give some away. Thoughtfulness touches hearts.
Be the neighbor that you wish you had. If you have friends over for a party, keep the noise down. Shut things down early so as not to keep neighbors awake. If you can, invite them to join you. If you have a pet, keep it in your yard. If it barks, bring it inside quickly. If you have young children, teach them to respect the boundaries of fences and sidewalks.
Converse wisely with your neighbors. Listen more than you talk. Ask questions to learn who they are and they’re interests. Everyone has a story and longs for others to listen to them and care. It’s why social media is so popular. If you differ on politics, social issues, or lifestyle choices, listen – gain new insights and perspectives. Look at life from their worldview. Never argue or be belligerent. Be a bridge builder, not a wall builder.
That statement about Jesus should challenge us: “Jesus was the friend of sinners.” God hasn’t called us to only be friends with nice, churchy people. He’s called us to reach our world like He did. He left heaven and came into this world because He loved people like us…and we’re a big mess. He placed us in our neighborhoods and wants us to get outside of our safe homes and yards to show His love to those around us. Your neighborhood is your mission field. How are you doing on being Jesus there?
Recently, I happened on a blog entitled “12 Days of Neighboring.” Summer is about 12 weeks, why not use some of its ideas to make this summer “12 Weeks of Neighboring”? Here’s the link: https://www.watermark.org/blog/12-days-of-neighboring
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page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more
about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus
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