Most of us understand the importance of being good neighbors. We relish the opportunity to connect with those living closest to us, and we find great fulfillment in lending a helping hand when they need it. Our genuine care for the neighborhood drives us to look out for one another. Occasionally, we are prompted to set aside our daily routines to assist a neighbor in need. Recently, an unusual sound of water running for hours drew my attention outside.
The Small Acts of Kindness
I noticed that our neighbor’s sprinklers had been running for hours, so I sent them a quick text. He called me back almost immediately, explaining that he had been called in for an emergency at work. He then asked if I could turn off the sprinkler valve and provided instructions on how to do it. Later, I received a message that said, “Thank you, you’re the best.”
Later, I reflected on how simple this task was for me. Between the text, the call, and turning off the sprinklers, it only took 10 minutes of my day. Yet, it meant the world to him because he was 30 miles away dealing with a work emergency. It’s incredible how our seemingly small act can produce a significant difference.
Loving our neighbors is the second part of the most important commandment in God’s Word. In Matthew 22:37-40, the Bible gives instructions to love God with everything you are, and then love your neighbor as yourself.
But here again, this is good training for loving what Jesus considers our neighbor, which goes further than those who live nearby. When we go out of our way for a neighbor who lives close to us then it is easier to go out of our way to meet the needs of a stranger we meet at a park, store or on the highway.
Jesus’ answer to a religious leader’s question, “Who is my neighbor?” resulted in a roadside assistance parable known to most as The Good Samaritan. Jesus gives examples of three people’s reactions to a traveler who was beaten, robbed, and left lying in a ditch. The first two left him for dead, but The Good Samaritan was the one who actually did something to help the wounded traveler.
Jesus asks the religious leader: Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” Luke 10:36-37 ESV
Being neighborly to those outside your immediate community is at the heart of The Good Samaritan story. When I reflect on the important groups in my life, I first consider family, followed by friends, and then neighbors. However, those we encounter on a bustling highway or in a crowded grocery store are often complete strangers. Jesus calls us to treat these individuals as neighbors, which is distinct from how we treat family or friends. He posed the question, “Who proved to be a neighbor?” The answer is clear: it was the one who demonstrated compassion, tended to his wounds, and ensured his safety.
Prayer: Jesus, I struggle being neighborly when I am away from my home. Please open my eyes so I can see people the way you see them. Show me how to be compassionate and help those who need Tender Loving Care. Help me to slow down and make room in my day for people’s needs other than my own. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Show Mercy
Show mercy to the person needing a listening ear, come to the aid of a child who has fallen off their bike and needs a helping hand, quietly give the cashier some cash for the struggling mom behind you buying groceries for her family, compliment anyone who has served you and thank them too. Then Matthew 25 has more ideas.
For I was hungry, and you fed me.
I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink.
I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.
I was naked, and you gave me clothing.
I was sick, and you cared for me.
I was in prison, and you visited me.’
Matthew 25:35-36
We have a choice: Will we walk by the person suffering? Will we be neighborly and show compassion, soothe their wounds and bring them emotionally or physically to a safer place?
That’s the decision we get to make. Sometimes, God does bring someone in front of us to help, and sometimes, we’re not courageous enough to do it. Sometimes we’re just too busy. I’m so guilty of that. Or do we think someone else will help them? Meanwhile, our heart is being touched by the Lord saying, help them. Come on, help them. And in our mind, we are responding, no, no, no, I need to do these ten more things today. But we need to reach out to others because there’s a world that needs to see Jesus, and the way they do it is by experiencing us loving them and loving one another. To be merciful.
More about Neighbors
Praying for those in Conflict,
At times no more than a smile is all it takes.
This post really hits home for me! I live in the mountains outside of Boise, Idaho, with hundreds of feet between my house and my closest neighbors. Up here, neighborliness can be the difference between life and death, literally! With a volunteer fire department and the sheriff’s deputies twenty minutes away, we rely on each other more than I did when I lived in the suburbs of Southern California. The strangest difference I’ve noticed is that I know SO MANY MORE of my neighbors here than I did when I lived in a densely populated neighborhood. I love it!