Neighbor Groups: Empower Communities Sample

Our Own Faith 

Over the past few days, we’ve talked about serving others in ways that preserve their dignity. We all have a desire to make a difference, but sometimes our good intentions can result in negative impact—like the unfortunate gift we talked about the first day. 

But this desire for community empowerment isn’t about making ourselves feel good. It’s not about saving others or rescuing our cities. 

Instead, this idea of community empowerment is about recognizing that we get to know God better by loving one another. And loving one another requires that we get to know one another. 

Genuinely loving others means that we don’t assume things about someone without taking the time to hear their story. It means that we don’t diagnose problems in our cities without asking the right questions to the leaders within those communities. 

And this kind of love is an active process—not a passive checkbox. So why does this all matter so much? 

Jesus shows us how important this is in Matthew 25 by saying that what we do for the least of these—we do for Him.

So our personal faith develops when we humbly obey God’s calling to love our neighbor as ourselves. And that means the biggest change resulting from living out community empowerment may not be some transformation you see in your community. The biggest change might be in your own heart as you say yes to God’s invitation to rule over creation, bring His Kingdom to earth, and play an active role in the Body of Christ. 

As you take up that role, you’ll discover that restoration happens through relationships. Rarely can we make a difference on our own, but when we partner together—through Christ—we can become unstoppable. 

So avoid the temptation to provide your own relief solution, assuming you know the answers to the world’s problems or treating yourself like a martyr who cares more than others. Instead, pursue the long-term work of restoration. 

Get to know someone’s name. Hear people’s stories. Genuinely listen to understand, not to be understood. Challenge your own assumptions. Intervene when you see injustice. Take an interest in your communities. Advocate for others and accept help from others. 

When you do, you’ll get to know people, you’ll get to know God, and you’ll get to truly make a difference. 

Pray: God, thank You for Your love. Help me love my neighbor as myself, choosing the long-term work of restoration through relationships. Show me how to actively love the people in my community, and help me identify the right people to partner with as I seek to make a difference. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Challenge: As you wrap up this Plan about community empowerment, consider how you can make this an ongoing part of your life. Start by asking yourself these questions: 

• Where do I see a need in my community? What voices or perspectives can I seek out to understand that need? 

• How can I lead with curiosity and compassion instead of assumptions and judgments? 

• What’s one way that I can partner with others to make a difference in my city? 

To learn more, start the Neighbor: Elevate Education Bible Plan here, and find the rest of the Neighbor Bible Plans at www.go2.lc/NeighborPlans