Look around. We are living in a me first world where people are intentionally uninvolved with the well-being of others. Now, I am not saying everyone is that way, but I believe generally the people of today are more skeptical about why or if people need help than being concerned about helping them. It is easy to fall into the thoughts that people brought their circumstances on themselves or believe that it is just a scam. I know that I have fallen into that category myself. The world needs more love. That is why being a good neighbor matters.
September 29 is National Good Neighbor Day. This reminds us to be intentional with not only our physical neighbors, but to all humans who are our neighbors in this life. When thinking about our neighbors, we must remember the Great Commandment as written in Mark 12:31, “The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (usccb.org) God commands us to love our neighbors.
Loving Beyond Boundaries
The Bible provides many examples and instructions on how to be a good neighbor. Let’s look at Luke 10:25-37: “There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.”
The Parable of the Good Samaritan.
But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (usccb.org)
Do you impose imaginary boundaries on how you love your neighbor, your fellow man? Ask yourself this, “Is it better to have helped one person in need while giving to those who don’t need it or is it better to allow those who are in need to go without help?” Our humanity (or is it the devil) oftentimes has us focus on people getting more than they deserve than focus on being a giver. By practicing being a good neighbor, it can just become second nature to help others.
Everyday Ways to Be a Good Neighbor
So how can you be a good neighbor? Here are some ideas for to put into action:
- Acts of kindness -These can range from small acts to something bigger. Start with a smile or a friendly wave. It could be taking your neighbor’s trash can from the curb for them. You can pick up something from the store or mow their yard. The list can be long. You can let someone in during traffic. Give up a prime parking space to make someone’s day.
- Hospitality and encouragement-Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, “Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.” (usccb.org) always be welcoming and encouraging in all aspects of your life. This can be practiced at home, with friends, while at work and when out in the general public.
- Listening and presence-In these times of constantly doing and personal entertainment with handheld devices, listening and presence are becoming more rare. When asking someone how they are doing, listen to the tone and watch body language. Ask follow up questions so the person knows you truly do care. When someone shares a story or tells about their day, focus on them. Stop whatever else you are doing and listen. Again, this can be practiced in all areas of your life.
- Sharing faith naturally-This may seem unusual to include this here, but if you really love someone, you will want the best for them. Nothing is better than God. So when you are living your faith and sharing casually, you are evangelizing for the best gift ever! You can share your faith by showing love, kindness and offering up a prayer.
Faith in Action
As stated above, when you love someone, you want them to have what is best for them. When you live your faith you are evangelizing through love and service.You naturally care for those who need it. You don’t have to stop and think about whether the person needs it or deserves it, but instead you just do it because you know it is right and because every person deserves love.
Being a good neighbor is living as the person God has called you to be. He calls you to love your neighbor as yourself. He also calls you to treat people with dignity and respect. You have been blessed with ears to listen, a mouth to speak (kindness) and arms to hug. Use the tools you were given. God may have blessed you with extra wealth to share. You were also gifted unique talents and gifts to serve your family and community. When determining how to live your faith in action, remember who God created you to be.
The Ripple Effect of being a Good Neighbor
Remember that even small acts can create a lasting impact. If you help a neighbor with their lawn, they will be reminded of the good deed for days or even weeks to come. This may even free them up or encourage them to pay it forward in some other way. Allowing someone into traffic often encourages them to do the same for someone else. Surely you have heard of how people pay it forward in the drive thru! One person pays another person’s bill and then that is often paid forward car after car. Imagine how that small thing can make a difference in someone else’s life.
In the movie, “What Women Want”, Mel Gibson’s character watches an unseen, suicidal woman in a public place and hears her thoughts of suicide. He then comes to her aid, providing her with advice and saving her. I know we cannot hear each other’s thoughts, but imagine the impact and ripple effect we could create if we were always speaking life to each other. That means praising and encouraging each other just because each person is valuable for who they are. Romans 13:10 reminds us that “Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.” (usccb.org)
Prayer to Open Hearts to be a Good Neighbor
Lord Jesus, You call us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Open our eyes to see the needs around us, open our hands to serve and open our hearts to love without hesitation. May our kindness reflect Your goodness and may our faith be seen not only in words, but in the way we care for others each day. Amen.
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