Seven Ways to Be a good neighbor
Truly connecting with others
Being a good neighbor can happen in a million different ways. Ask a few friends what it looks like to be a good neighbor and you’re likely to get a dozen wonderful—yet different—answers. Endeavoring to be a good neighbor presents challenges, but also many opportunities.
Take a minute to ask: Who is my neighbor? What are my responsibilities as a good neighbor? How do I connect with others and show them the hope I have in Christ? As Christians, we have the privilege and responsibility to show others God’s love through our words and actions.
With our world in a state of uncertainty, we all need a reminder of who we’re called to be – the hands and feet of Jesus. We went back to the Bible to unpack seven essential lessons on how to be a good neighbor. To take it a step further, we’ve included action steps – it is one thing to know what it is to be a good neighbor, but more important to put it into practice.
1. Love God first
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.—Matthew 22:37–38 (NIV)
We're able to love because He first loved us. He wants us to turn our eyes to Him and remain steadfast in Him, to love Him above all. What a privilege to be able to love such a wondrous God.
Act. Spend time worshipping our Father and simply bask in and be filled by His overflowing love.
2. Love your neighbor as yourself
Matthew 22:39 reminds us of the second commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself.” Here, Jesus tells His people that their next greatest responsibility is to love their neighbor as dearly as they love themselves. When we love others the way we love God we spread His hope and light.
Act. Ask God to show you one (or two or three or more) person(s) that could use some extra care.
3. Love your neighbor as Christ loved you
Our ability to love one another is a true characteristic of a disciple of Christ (John 13:34–35). No matter how difficult, let Jesus on the cross be our inspiration to extend love and grace to those around us.
Act. Reflect on the Gospels and be emboldened by Jesus and the disciples' experiences.
4. Be a Good Samaritan
The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is one that is familiar to most Christians. It depicts a beautiful picture of neighborly love.
Act. Meditate on this parable and allow yourself to empathize with the man who was attacked. Then think of people around you who could possibly resonate with a man like him.
5. Pray for your neighbors by name
Ephesians 6:18 tells us to pray for one another. You can pray for people around you or complete strangers. Be led by the Spirit in prayer (Romans 8:26).
Act. Whether for a coworker, a friend, or a literal next-door neighbor, you can practice being a good neighbor by praying for the people God has placed in your life.
6. Inquire and listen
James 5:16 says, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Act. The better you know your neighbor, the more intentional you will be in praying for them. Ask, "How can I pray for you?", "In what ways do you need encouragement?" "Will you share with me what you’ve been going through?"
Simple questions encourage others to share their stories and needs. Ask God for wisdom to know when to offer words of life and when to simply listen. Be prepared to emulate the Samaritan by offering the same compassion and willingness to sacrificially care for your neighbor’s needs.
7. Respond
The Samaritan didn’t just offer the injured man his pity; he also tended to his physical needs. It may not be your place to provide for all your neighbor’s needs, but simply offering an uplifting word or tangible gift can alleviate many hardships. Whether being a good neighbor means speaking words of encouragement or paying for a tank of gas, remember Jesus’s words:
“‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’” (Matt. 25:40).
Act. For example, think of the woman at the well and reach out to today's version of her. Invite them over for a home-cooked meal, drop off a casserole, or just spend time with them. Is there someone in your community or family (think: grumpy aunt/uncle) that people tend to ostracize or avoid? Spend some intentional time with them.