2:153 – Welcome To The Neighborhood

#faithbites #faithjourney neighborhood

Today we went to church with our two kids and came home with five. They shared a meal, played, played, played, ran around, and enjoyed each other’s company. And yes, there were 40 chicken nuggets and 4 large fries consumed. Ha.

Then a friend cam over to grab an extra bed and we talked as neighbors. Next, we all walked back to deliver one child home.

That is being a neighbor is and living in a good neighborhood.

We are meant to love each other and love together.

Scripture

• But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. – 1 John 1:7
• How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! – Psalm 133:1

• And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:24-25

Reflection

How great it is to live in a community where we can divide our burdens and multiple our celebrations.

I’ve never lived in a place where I could ask a neighbor for a cup of sugar or a beer. Nor have I just gathered a bunch of kids for a play date without worry. I’ve also never just been able to pick up a phone and ask for help.

The find thing is, almost all of these connections have come from our church family. Church isn’t just to worship in isolation but to gather as a community and build relationships.

It’s not about money, counting favors, or being perfect. It’s just about sharing love and helping each other through this crazy thing called life.

Charge

Do you live in a community like I described? If you don’t, how do you react to others in your neighborhood? Are you showing God’s light through you. Communities and relationships are built through small acts. Try being that light. Do a kind deed for a neighbor and you will see how we live in unity

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the gift of community. We are blessed by people you put into our lives. Sometimes we don’t act neighborly and don’t take advantage of all the people you put in our lives for a reason. Forgive us and help us to always see your love and our need for community. In your name, Amen.