In June
2011, when disastrous flood- waters chased residents of Minot, North Dakota,
from their homes, the people of that community did what seemed to come
naturally to them—they helped others who were in need. People from more than an
hour away, without being asked, showed up to help. Some loaned their campers to
those who lost their homes and others allowed their garages to be used for
temporary storage. The people of North Dakota were showing what it means to be
good neighbors.
As
followers of Christ, being good neighbors—showing love to others—should come
naturally to us as well (Matt. 22:39; John 13:35; 1 John 4:7-11). Even though
we may not have the opportunity to respond in a dramatic way to a natural
disaster, we can all look for ways to love those around us. To be good
neighbors, we can show others mercy (Luke 10:29-37), treat others fairly (Lev.
19:13-18; James 2:1-8), speak to others truthfully (Eph. 4:25), and forgive
others completely (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13).
Christians
can be the best neighbors around because our love for others flows out of the
life of the ultimate neighbor—Jesus Christ—who loved and sacrificed His life
for us.
Our love
for God is only as real as our love for our neighbor. (RBC)
