Me? Love My Neighbor?

By Lettie Kirkpatrick Burress

www.writingforHim.com

I confess. I am an introvert. People make me tired. When I pray the Jabez Prayer, (1 Chronicles 4:10), I leave out the "enlarge my border" part.

I am also, however, a Christian. I learned long ago that God isn't very concerned with my comfort zone, only my obedience. So, I should have seen it coming when my life was uprooted and I was transplanted to another neighborhood after 27 years in one comfortable location.

Still, I knew a few people on my new street, if only casually. I expected to survive the move and thrive on the mountain view from my deck. That is, until the middle-of-the-night, anonymous (that's right, we still don't have caller ID) phone call threatening our passive, gentle dog if he should ever wander outside his boundaries. I suspected then God had me in a testing mode. And when the "Love Your Neighbor" articles kept showing up in my reading material, I was sure of it.

So, in reluctant obedience, I began asking God, "And why is it You brought me here?" I was about to receive an "assignment."

Get Over It: "He who despises his neighbor sins." (Proverbs 14:21 NIV)

I had to choose to forgive my mystery caller and move on to finding God's purpose for me in my new neighborhood. I still felt perturbed, but my emotions did not excuse me from praying for the people on my street.

As writer Pamela Enderby and her husband sought to go on mission in their neighborhood, they encountered two disturbing trends: a tendency toward isolationism and materialism. I found that true in my area also. As I walked myself and my dog, in our country subdivision, I began asking God what He wanted me to do to create a more positive, welcoming atmosphere.

Get On With It:

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people. (Galatians 6:10 NIV)
I knew there were other believers on my street and I felt God would have me unite us in an opportunity to minister. With the Spirit urging and much trepidation, I composed a letter.

In the letter, I shared my desire to be used by the Lord where God had planted me.
I suggested that perhaps we could create baskets welcoming new neighbors as they moved in. We could each contribute a couple of items and take turns with the deliveries.
Since a new family had just moved in, our opportunity was immediate. Would they like to help?

I distributed the letters and waited . . . nervously. Finally, a response! One neighbor loved the idea. She would help even if there were only two of us.

Another response: "This is a good idea, my husband and I will contribute and make the first delivery." Wow! As I was out walking, I passed another neighbor. She said, "I bake homemade bread-I'll make extra."

We delivered our first basket containing her bread, a scented candle, a book of postage stamps, homemade cookies, a welcome card, colorful pad and pen set, and coupons for free pizza. As our volunteer couple made the cheerful delivery, I was glad for the pleasant introduction our new neighbors were receiving to our neighborhood.

We have delivered three such baskets --- and another neighbor has joined our welcome committee. One of the basket contributors is talking about having a block party in their vacant lot. We also attended a home Bible study in our neighborhood.

Who knows? Maybe someday I will even come across my anonymous caller . . . and he will welcome me to the neighborhood.

A Purpose-driven neighbor

Michael Gunter, an author of several books, has given some thought to the issue of "loving our neighbor". He indicates "when it comes to our neighbor, we find ourselves in a unique position to be a positive influence for Christ. These are the people we see in the context of real life over a long stretch of time. So, patient intentionality is the order of business." Michael suggests this intentionality is driven by four components.

Test the waters. At some point we must determine where our neighbors are spiritually. This can often be done through casual interaction during everyday encounters.

Cultivate real friendships. Beware of thinking of your neighbor as a project. Develop a relationship born of genuine concern.

Partner in shared activities. This can be a mutual interest (hunting, sports, home improvement, landscaping) or a simple conversation over a cup of coffee.

Be present-in the neighborhood and in their lives. Be visible as you interact with your own family mowing the yard, washing the car. And be there when your neighbor has a need.

Getting It Right: Two families on mission in the neighborhood

Eric and Abbey Ferguson moved to a new neighborhood three years ago. They live on a street with only seven houses and both have committed to intentionally building relationships with those other six families.

Their "new friends" consist of a Ukranian Baptist family, Pentecostals, Adventists, and some non-churchgoers. They have exchanged baked goods, mechanical skills, home organizing tips, vehicles, and most of all, committed caring.

Eric indicates, "We share our faith by living it as best we can. We find a common connection and meet needs of any sort. We try to honestly, genuinely care for them."

Abbey echoes Eric's heart sentiment with her own. "If I don't act as an ambassador for Christ on my street, who will? It's the friendships we build over time that give us credibility with the unsaved --- especially on the street where you live."

Terril and Chloe Littrell have also pursued the deliberate practice of modeling their faith in the neighborhood. They initially lived in a totally Caucasian community. When a lone Hispanic family moved in, they responded with active friendship.

The Littrell's welcomed the family with baked items. When they realized they had no transportation to their own worship services, they provided it. They continued their ministry to the family by driving their sick babies to the doctor and even paying medical expenses. They also helped their new neighbors find jobs in the community.

Four Suggestions for Loving Your Neighbors

Make a quick welcome visit (perhaps with a small gift such as a plant or cookies) and introduce yourself to new arrivals.
Prayer walk your neighborhood, asking God to use you where He's planted you. Pray in specific ways for each family.
Be hospitable. Consider hosting a block party, holiday open house, neighborhood cookout, or just a coffee for neighbors to mingle. Or invite one family at a time to build relationships.
Be friendly. It only takes a second to wave a hand, hug a child, or just say hi. But small beginnings can have big results.