Love Thy Neighbour – hoodSample

DO LIFE TOGETHER

When I think back to my childhood, my parents would often say, “We are so blessed to live in such a nice neighbourhood. We have such lovely neighbours!” But what was it that made our neighbours "nice", and our neighbourhood a place we enjoyed living? The people were kind. If you had a holiday planned, they would collect your mail and would watch over your house while you were gone. They would greet you with a smile when they saw you and would genuinely ask, "How was your day?" Ultimately, they made you feel safe, supported and cared for. You were not alone. 

This is what God calls us to be for each other. God’s desire is to see us love one another and do life together--the good, the bad and the ugly. The Bible says that God chose the Israelites to be His people.  They lived and worshiped him together in community and formed the body of Christ--the Church. 

It often seems more comfortable and safe to do life alone--to wear a mask to hide the troubles we are facing and run from community. But be encouraged today to step out in faith, and ask God to give you the courage to take a step toward being part of community. The Bible says that it is not good for man to be alone, so Jesus made a helper. We are called to do life together and to help others feel safe and supported in our community. 

Prayer: God, thank You that You have called us to do life together, not alone. I thank You that no matter what I am going through, I can rely on You and my brothers and sisters in Christ to help me through the good and the difficult. I ask You to help me to trust, and take a step of faith to reach out and be connected in community. Amen.