Message Magazine Online - Vol. 54, No. 03, Fall 2006

Other Online Features

• Many Voices, One Lord
  Maureen Longnecker
• Four Dads and Four Daughters
  Cheryl Fawcett
• Ten Days of Casave
  Andrew Large, Nicaragua
• Something Unusual in France
  Frank and Marlea Pfeifer
• MKs Help in Outreach to Small Town Portugal
  Miriam Tyers, Portugal
• What is Language School Like?
  By a missionary in South Asia
• Dreaming Big: Church Ministries Institute Partners with Horizon International Schools
  John Taylor
• Nenagh-Gateway to Lough Derg
  Matt Tuttlebee, Baptist Missions Ireland
• Orthopedic Specialists Visit Togo
  Russ and Melody Ebersole
• History Week at the Greater Lisbon Christian Academy
  Mary Kay Smith
• Leader to Leader: Remembering Dr. Kempton
  William Amstutz
• Reaching Couples in Urban Spain
  Cindy Brown

Loving Our Neighbors

Bryan Waggoner

At the end of last year’s missions conference, all I could think about was “I need to reach my neighbors.” I realized that I had dropped the ball in this crucial area, and I was disobeying one of the commands Jesus gave us in Mark 12:31, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” I went home that Sunday night with the resolve to change.

As I studied the Scriptures, I observed that the command “love your neighbor” is given eight times in the Bible in six different books (one time in the Old Testament and seven times in the New Testament). Four of the eight times this command was given, Jesus spoke it. Each time He is quoted, He uses a word for love which means, “giving with no thought of return.” When God repeats something many times, perhaps He wants us to realize that it is important.

In order to love our neighbors, we must first get to know them. In today’s world, it is rare to know any neighbors, even those next door. It requires taking a little time each week to accomplish this most important task. Someone wisely observed that despite hectic schedules, we find time to do what we consider truly important.

We must first start by praying for those God has placed around us. Identify your close neighbors and make a list of their addresses and phone numbers. Make note of their special needs and pray daily for them. Go on a prayer walk and mention names and needs to your heavenly Father as you pass each home. Pray for God to help you communicate Christ’s love to them.

If we are going to obey His command, we must make time to outwardly demonstrate our love for our neighbors. Here are some ideas for reaching out:

• Make time to greet and meet the neighbors you see.
• Schedule a block party to meet neighbors and develop relationships.
• Start a neighborhood prayer/care group. Ask, “How can I pray for you?”
• Let them know (in person, by phone call or email) that you are praying for them.
• Identify neighbors with special needs and prepare a care basket for them.
• Send greeting cards.
• Offer to watch pets, water flowers, collect mail, or baby sit kids for free.
• Entertain them in your home or take them out to eat.
• Schedule a movie night and show a video on a garage door.
• Invite them to church and special events.

Perhaps these simple ideas will stimulate you to actively love the people God has placed around you. In only one year’s time, God is doing amazing things on our street. My hope is that you will catch the vision to reach your neighborhood with the love of Christ as well.