How to love your neighbor
I was going to write a post today about the awesome man of God who passed away this weekend, and the beloved friend who is leaving our church to start a pastoral internship in Tulsa.
I’m not writing about them. Or maybe I am.
I have been thinking about the people who go out of their way to make the world just a little better. Not in some big global way, but in little ways the lives of the people around them. And I want to encourage everyone who reads this to find a way to make something better or more beautiful for the people around them. OK?
My friend Jane has a pretty flexible schedule and for years she has spent part of her day working at a table the local Panera. She even has meetings there. During these years, she began to notice an unwed pregnant cashier and she started talking to her. Over time, she got to know Amber pretty well and they became friends. Eventually Amber and her boyfriend and children accepted Jane’s invitation to come to church with her. They found some hope and peace there that was of value to them, and other family members started coming, too. However, Jane didn’t fully realize how much her friendship helped the family, until Amber lost her father and newborn baby within the same year. Their church family and the hope of eternal life have sustained the family since then.
My friend Mark is a senior executive for one of the largest food companies in the world. This weekend, he and his lady friend took a young man to the movies - the man’s last request before beginning to serve a prison sentence on Tuesday.
The world can be a hard, cold place. We need to love each other to make life worthwhile. What kindness can you show the world? What love have you seen recently? Please, encourage us all!
Published by angelawd on June 30th, 2008 tagged Daily Christianity, Joyful living
July 1st, 2008 at 3:47 am
Ohhhh, those are such good examples!!! I will have to do something and then report back
July 1st, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Wow, what beautiful examples of loving your neighbor. I do a lot for charity or various ministries, but I wish/pray that I would be more aware of opportunities around me everyday to show spontaneous kindness to people around me!
July 1st, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Swishy, let me know how it goes!
Josie, Look for those opportunities and then come share your story with us!
July 1st, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Sometimes we overlook the little things that we could do to love our neighbor. Thanks for the reminder!
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:57 am
I sure wish you were my neighbor…I’d so love being around your spirit. Your post is beautiful and I’m singing in my head “It only takes a spark….” Loved that song! xoxo
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I cannot stand my neighbors. They are nosy and very nasty human beings. I cannot wait to move elsewhere.
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Heather, my pleasure.
Ah, Stacey, I wish I was your neighbor, too. You would definitely cheer me up.
I’m thinking of the song “Go light your candle…run to the darkness…”