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.
Oh, to be like Him, tender and kind,
Gentle in spirit, lowly in mind;
More like to Jesus, day after day,
Filled with His Spirit now and alway. —Ellsworth
Gentle in spirit, lowly in mind;
More like to Jesus, day after day,
Filled with His Spirit now and alway. —Ellsworth
Our love for Christ is only as real as our love for our neighbor.
No comments:
Post a Comment