Neighbors
By Robin Wiley
As I was growing up living just outside of the town, Battle Lake, MN (before my mom married my stepdad) – I remember going over to our neighbor’s homes all the time and even welcomed new people who moved into the neighborhood. We lived on Lake Shore Drive – which was right near the water, Lake Battle Lake. As you know, Minnesota is the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” and where I lived was no different. You can’t go a mile down any country road before you see a lake jump out at you. I was taught that when you visit a neighbor, you have to bring them something – like a small token or gift such as cookies or flowers.
In our neighborhood – we knew most of our neighbors (or at least their names); we played, went to school with their kids and helped each other out when needed. I saw that same behavior again when I moved to Port Neches, TX area with the first house I bought. But when I moved to the Valley after marrying Scott in 2005, I did not see people being neighborly in the area we lived, South Westgate Woods until the Covid virus happened. Funny – it took isolation and quarantining to finally bring this neighborhood together!
One of the homeowners in our subdivision started a private group on Facebook, and you have to be a resident in our subdivision to be part of the group. We all introduced ourselves and told where we lived in the subdivision. Now, a year later - I know most of my neighbors, and we are sharing things with each other - like recommendations, graduation signs, block parties, curbside trick or treating at Halloween, or lost animals. It’s been a great way to even share the power of Christ by offering prayer to anyone who needs it.
I have this devotional from a book I occasionally read: “Come With Me Devotional “ by Suzanne Eller. This particular one I am sharing is called: “Good Neighbor.” So enjoy!
Scripture: Luke 10:34 NLT
34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.
A man is robbed, stripped, and left on the side of the road. He’s bleeding and half-dead. Two people pass by, almost as if he’s invisible. They keep going.
A third man comes on the scene, a Samaritan. He kneels beside him to bandage his wounds. He takes the wounded man into town and pays for him to stay in a safe place.
They were all neighbors, but only one acted as a neighbor.
Serving as a neighbor isn’t defined by location. A neighbor might be the stranger at the convenience store or the family that just moved across the street. It’s not limited by race or age or economic status.
We discover the identity of our neighbor as we become a neighbor. When we act neighborly, we act as a potential friend. Our words and actions leave an impression not soon forgotten.
Who is our neighbor?
It’s that one God places in our path and to whom we show kindness.
Come With Me
On-purpose love changes you and changes the world around you.
Robin W. comment: I love our church and familia of faith. We are all willing to help each other out through our ministries, support, love and prayers. Better yet, we extend that grace to the community around us. I sometimes sing to myself the State Farm commercial jingle – but add a personal twist: “And like a good neighbor, First Baptist is there!” So true – keep being a good neighbor!
Prayer:
Father God, your son Jesus showed us the way on to treat each other and be a good neighbor. May my actions and words reflect kindness and love towards even the most difficult person or people in my life. Bless my life with your grace and mercy. In Jesus precious name – Amen!