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I AM A CITIZEN OF MY COMMUNITY

In Jeremiah 29, the people of God, exiled in a foreign land, are commanded to seek the peace and well-being of the city where they now live. Even in exile, God hasn’t abandoned them. Instead, He has given them purpose in the present and hope for the future. It’s like God is saying, “I will rescue you from exile, but in the meantime, be good neighbors!”

What does it mean to love your neighbor? It means wanting your neighbors to have the same opportunities, freedoms, and protections you enjoy — even when those neighbors are very different from you. This means when you step in the voting booth, you’re not simply asking which candidate will do right by you, but which will do right by your neighbor.

Living in peace and loving your neighbors also means rejecting fear. Fear has become the currency of our political process and all news surrounding politics. We must declare that while fear is natural and human, even understandable, this is a device of our spiritual enemy and is to be rejected. The world will prey on our fear, but our Lord told us time and time again — Fear not! The love of God is the defining dimension of who we are as people of faith, and His love is our core identity as children of God and citizens of his kingdom. This great love of God casts out our fear, and it is the transformative power that can be channeled through the church to heal our country.

Ask Yourself:

-What things stir up my worries and fears?

-How have I experienced the love of God through people?

-Who are the good neighbors in my life?

Pause to Pray: Lord, I believe that my place in this neighborhood at this time is not an accident. No matter where your people are, we belong to You, and You have good plans for us. Open my eyes to see my neighbors. Open my heart to love my neighbors. Open my hands and show me how to be a good neighbor…

Take a Next Step: How can you show a little love to a neighbor today?