JUNE 20, 2012
A Good Neighbor
Read: Luke 10:29-37
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. —1 John 4:11
In June 2011, when disastrous flood- waters chased residents of Minot,
North Dakota, from their homes, the people of that community did what
seemed to come naturally to them—they helped others who were in
need. People from more than an hour away, without being asked,
showed up to help. Some loaned their campers to those who lost
their homes and others allowed their garages to be used for
temporary storage. The people of North Dakota were showing
what it means to be good neighbors.
As followers of Christ, being good neighbors—showing love to others
—should come naturally to us as well (Matt. 22:39; John 13:35; 1 John
4:7-11). Even though we may not have the opportunity to respond
in a dramatic way to a natural disaster, we can all look for ways to love
those around us. To be good neighbors, we can show others mercy
(Luke 10:29-37), treat others fairly (Lev. 19:13-18; James 2:1-8),
speak to others truthfully (Eph. 4:25), and forgive others completely
(Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13).
Christians can be the best neighbors around because our love for
others flows out of the life of the ultimate neighbor—Jesus Christ
—who loved and sacrificed His life for us.
Oh, to be like Him, tender and kind,
Gentle in spirit, lowly in mind;
More like to Jesus, day after day,
Filled with His Spirit now and alway. —Ellsworth
Our love for Christ is only as real as our love for our neighbor.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2012
