Loving our neighbor
Igrew up in a time where we knew almost all our neigh bors. We even knew the ones who lived on nearby streets. When visiting my grandparents, neighbors would see us stringing/ snapping beans, shelling peas, and shucking corn, so they put on their aprons, and headed over with pans to help. It was a time of conversation and maintaining relationships with neighbors. Neighbors looked after each other’s kids and kept an eye out for mischief. New neighbors were greeted with some kind of housewarming gift, and sick neighbors were cared for. If there was a death, the neighbors helped every way they could.
Today, many folks would be hard pressed to tell you a neighbor’s name, much less get involved in any way in their lives.
Privacy and anonymity seem to be the norm. Yet, in times of disaster, as we are witnessing in these recent days of hurricanes and floods, it is heartening to see so many across the country pour out love to their “neighbors.” You see, a neighbor is not just someone we live next to, or near, but anyone who is in need and who we can help.
Jesus was asked a question by an expert in religious law, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied with the story of the Good Samaritan. Two religious leaders walked by a man beaten and left for dead by robbers. However, the Samaritan, a stranger, and usually considered an enemy, stopped and helped the man, including taking care of more than his wounds, but providing lodging and food. Jesus asked the lawyer, “Which of these three do you think became a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robber?” The man answered, “The one who showed mercy to him.” Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.” As I write this, many people in our area, and across our state, and nation, are sending relief to those affected by the recent storms. Some are giving of their time and working with chain-saws, some are doing mud out and clean out, some are providing food and drink, and others are giving badly needed resources such as toiletries, gas, hygiene items, and so much more. Agencies and churches closest to the affected areas are coordinating the distribution of all this labor and materials to those who in need. All of them are being good neighbors. May all of us be good neighbors, to our close neighbors, and to anyone in need.
