Neighbor day (love your neighbor as yourself)

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How many of us actually know our neighbor? The bible speaks of neighbors being anyone around you but I’m talking about your actual next door neighbor. If we can’t get to know them then we most likely aren’t very good at getting to know people when we are out and about. 

I live out in the sticks. It's so rural that there is 1 red light in the whole county and I’m not sure that I have ever seen it turn red. People are kind and engaging for the most part but it is a different story when they are at home. Usually when you get lost and have to pull into a driveway (especially at night) you are greeted with a gun and “who are you”? 

I spent years keeping to myself and not meeting my neighbor. Until one day when our cat ran off and my wife had me going door to door asking if anyone had seen it (thank God they hadn’t because I can’t stand cats). I went next door and introduced myself and found my new best friend instantly. We have a Tim the tool man and Wilson relationship vibe going. Though most conversations are light and short I know he has my back in a pinch and I have his. We go months without seeing each other but always pick up right where we left off. We hunt together, fish together and when life gets thick we crack open a few beers and talk about the deep hard things. That’s very important for us men to have and also to be for one another (iron sharpening iron). Life is hard on a fella and it’s nice to know that you are not alone. Sometimes it’s those relationships outside of church that really make a difference in our lives and stand the test of time. My neighbor is my brother in Christ and we have held each other up through ultimate hardships but that would not have ever come to be if I hadn’t knocked…. 

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I challenge you.

Go introduce yourself to your neighbor. Invite them over for a fire and some food. Make yourself vulnerable and see what happens. They may be looking for a safe place to share their struggles and not be judged. They may be on their last leg and you might just be who God placed there to help carry their burdens.  Your best friend could be just next door. 

Prayer

Father, I thank you for the men you place in my life that sharpen and strengthen me. Thank you for not making me walk this life alone. Father I know that none of us are ever alone because we have the Holy Spirit within us but I know that you also place people around us to help carry these burdens and to pray us through the hard things. I thank you for your goodness and provision.

In Jesus mighty name, Amen.