National Good Neighbor Day… So Love Your Neighbor

There are two main texts that we focus on - although many others could be referred to - when it comes to loving our neighbor: Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39. (I can wait while you look them up. Nice work on reading your Bible today!) I have spent most of my pastoral career expanding the idea of who our neighbor is from just the people who live close to us to, well, everyone!

While I believe that the ultimate goal is to view and love all people as part of God’s creation, it seems that we may have moved in this direction to the detriment of those who live close to us. A recent survey by the city of Dublin revealed that “43% of residents feel only a moderate sense of belonging, and 75% feel only somewhat or not connected to their neighbors.” This is according to the recent wellness survey done for the city of Dublin.

No matter if you live in Dublin or somewhere else, this might also be true for you. This Sunday, September 28th is National Good Neighbor Day. I want to encourage you to find a way to participate. Now, for all those who just turned into the Grinch, hear me out: part of our calling as followers of Jesus is to love and serve our neighbors, and I mean actual people who live next to you. Yes, that means loving Peter who talks too loudly, and Diane, who doesn’t always remember to clean up after her golden retriever, and Dean who always manages to say the wrong thing. It might also mean reaching out to Anya and introducing yourself (after all, you have been living next to each other for three years).

If you need help or ideas, check out these City of Dublin resources. Let’s lead the way here, people of Prince of Peace! You never know what small actions today can lead to the big impacts of tomorrow.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Tim