top of page

loving Our Neighbors: Seeing Beyond the Fenceline




“This is my command, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (-John 15:12)

What did Jesus mean by "one another"?  I believe he provides the answer in another verse, Matthew 22:39, "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Who, exactly, are our neighbors? Are they just the people who live adjacent to where we live?  Yes, those people are our neighbors, but our neighbors reach far beyond the homes next to ours.  


Our neighbors are made up of many groups of people, and those groups are made up of individuals. Some are easy to love, and others are not. Scripture does not tell us to only love those who are easily loved.


Loving our neighbor is not always easy, but it is always right.

Loving our neighbor is always putting others first.

Loving our neighbor is remembering what Jesus taught us to do.

Loving our neighbor is obedience.

 

So, who is our neighbor?

 

The barista making your morning coffee.

Your server at the restaurant.

The mechanic fixing your car.

The cashier ringing up your purchase.

 

These are your neighbors.

 

The family who just moved in down the street.

The elderly man walking his dog.

The person sitting alone on the park bench.

The stranger waiting with you in line.

 

These, too, are your neighbors.

 

Your child’s teacher.

The parent cheering too loudly at the soccer game.

The neighbor whose lawn needs mowing.

The delivery driver.

 

All are your neighbors.

 

The single mom at your church.

The teenager learning to drive.

The homeless man on the street corner.

The person you can’t seem to get along with.

 

Neighbors.

 

Loving our neighbors can require us to step outside our comfort zone, stretch ourselves, and extend kindness, compassion, and grace. Jesus set no limits on who we are called to love, nor should we. Every person we come into contact with is an opportunity to reflect God’s love.

 

Our neighbors are everywhere—and they are waiting to be loved.

 

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page