Know Your Neighbor

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19:18

THE WORD NEIGHBOR IS mentioned more than 130 times in the Bible. Among other things, we’re told not to give false witness against our neighbors (Exodus 20:16) or covet our neighbor’s house or wife (Deuteronomy 5:21), and we’re instructed to build up our neighbors for their good (Romans 15:2) and love our neighbors as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18). That last one is probably the most famous. Jesus even used those words when He was asked about the greatest command in all of the Old Testament law (Matthew 22:39).

Yet despite the importance the Bible places on how we treat our neighbors, research shows that many of us don’t really know our neighbors. How can we love our neighbors if we don’t even know them?

The Bible describes a neighbor in broad terms—including people in need whom we come across—not just people who live on our street. When we concentrate on knowing and loving the people in our community, we, too, are blessed. Studies show that when we know our neighbors, we build a safer, stronger, healthier environment to live in. And the best part is that it doesn’t take a lot of effort to get to know our neighbors. We just need to be friendly and say hello. Taking the initiative may stretch our comfort level a little, but it’s the right thing to do. We may even make some new friends and find opportunities to share the gospel in the process.

BOTTOM LINE

Make it one of your resolutions this year to know your neighbors better. It’s not complicated; it just takes a little intentional effort.

Moment of Strength: Matthew 22:36-40