Area of life
Neighbours
Loving the people around you and sharing your faith.
God might be speaking to you here if
- you do not know the names of the people next door
- someone keeps coming to mind who you know is struggling
- you hide that you are a Christian to avoid awkwardness
- you feel a quiet nudge to invite someone to church or a meal
What this is
The second greatest command is to love your neighbour as yourself. Your neighbour is whoever God puts in your path: next door, at the bus stop, in class.
Love becomes real in small acts: noticing, helping, listening, inviting. The good Samaritan didn't give a speech. He stopped, cared and paid the cost.
Sharing your faith grows out of that love. You don't need perfect words. Say gently why you hope in Jesus, and let your life back it up.
My verses
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.
Jesus took up this question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down the same road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So too, when a Levite came to that spot and saw him, he passed by on the other side. But when a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, he looked at him and had compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ he said, ‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.’ Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” “The one who showed him mercy,” replied the expert in the law. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect.
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.
Where to next
- Learn three namesLearn the names of three neighbours, colleagues or classmates. Write them down and pray for them.
- Do one practical kindnessBring in a bin, offer a lift, drop off a meal or help with a job.
- Invite someone overHave someone round for coffee or dinner.
- Ask one real questionAsk a neighbour or colleague how they're really doing, and listen without fixing.
- Ask a spiritual questionWhen it fits, ask: Do you ever think about God? Then listen more than you talk.
What grows here
Pray
Jesus, open my eyes to the people around me. Give me a heart that notices, hands that help and the courage to speak of You when the moment comes.