Being Neighborly

I read an article about the warm reception a man named Bruce received upon moving to a new neighborhood. One neighbor in particular, Gene, went out of his way to be neighborly. He even insisted on getting up at 5:00 a.m. to take Bruce to the airport for a 6:00 a.m. flight. A few days later, Gene came by and announced that he and his wife decided they wanted to be in prayer for the people living in the 10 houses closest to them, and asked Bruce what they could be praying for.

 

Bruce happens to be a Lutheran church worker. Gene is a Baptist. They share a faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior. They know that He died to pay for their sins and rose again in victory over death. Gene had a powerful impact on Bruce because he had established a relationship with Bruce and shared his faith in the context of that relationship. Gene didn’t lead Bruce to faith, because he already believed. But he did give Bruce a lesson in how to share your faith in a kind, loving and natural way.

 

Something I’ve noticed more and more in recent years is that many people don’t even know the names of their neighbors. We have become a society of individuals that tend to insulate and isolate ourselves from the world around us as much as possible. That situation is not very conducive to sharing your faith. The people most likely to listen to you when you share your faith are those who know you and have a positive relationship with you. If you are the neighbor known for yelling at kids to stay off your property or threatening to shoot your neighbor’s dog, that probably won’t translate very well into an opportunity to speak of Jesus. However, if you are a person who takes the time to visit with your neighbors and show them acts of kindness, that will open the door for you to tell them about the hope that lives in you because you know that Jesus is your Savior.

 

When someone new moves into your neighborhood, you have a unique opportunity: people are most open to invitations to a new church after a move. Here’s a list of suggestions Bruce shared in his article for when someone new moves in near you:

 

• Take the first step. Don’t wait for the new move-in to come and meet you. Go and meet them.
• When you see your neighbors outside, stop by to chat with them.
• The day a moving van arrives, take a meal or invite them to eat at your house.
• Sit down and give them directions to the Post Office, local schools, banks, restaurants, etc.
• When you bake, bake a little extra for your new neighbors.
• Ask them if there is something they’d like you to be praying about.
• Invite them to attend church Bible Class, a small group Bible Study, church socials, or church athletic events with you.
• Invite them to worship with you. Offer to give them a ride.

 

Remember, you have the responsibility and possibility of representing Jesus to those you meet!