The Neighbor You’re Becoming
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself" - Matthew 22:39
TV has a way of making neighbors unforgettable. Whether it's Mr. Wilson's fence wisdom or Kramer’s wild entrances, most shows have at least one neighbor you can’t help but remember. They’re funny, weird, wise, annoying, helpful, or just plain nosy. But here’s something we don’t think about nearly as much. We’re all somebody’s neighbor, too.
It’s easy to spot the neighbor next door. It’s harder to remember that we are the neighbor next door. That means the people who live across from you, work beside you, or even sit near you in church are watching. They see how you treat people. They remember your tone. They notice if you carry peace or pressure.
When Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself, He wasn’t just giving a suggestion for good community living. He was giving a command that reflects His heart. Loving your neighbor doesn’t always mean doing something huge. Sometimes it just means paying attention. Being kind. Choosing grace. Speaking the truth. Being steady when everything else feels shaky.
The truth is, people may never open a Bible, but they will read your life. That means how you love, how you speak, and how you show up matters. You do not have to be perfect, but you do have to be real. What are you known for? When people hear your name, what comes to mind? You are already someone’s neighbor. The question is, what kind?
Jesus did not call us to blend in or keep to ourselves. He called us to love on purpose. To be the kind of neighbor who reflects who He is. Not loud about it. Just faithful. Present. Ready.
What kind of neighbor are you becoming? Ask God to help you be one who leaves others better, not just impressed or entertained.
TV has a way of making neighbors unforgettable. Whether it's Mr. Wilson's fence wisdom or Kramer’s wild entrances, most shows have at least one neighbor you can’t help but remember. They’re funny, weird, wise, annoying, helpful, or just plain nosy. But here’s something we don’t think about nearly as much. We’re all somebody’s neighbor, too.
It’s easy to spot the neighbor next door. It’s harder to remember that we are the neighbor next door. That means the people who live across from you, work beside you, or even sit near you in church are watching. They see how you treat people. They remember your tone. They notice if you carry peace or pressure.
When Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself, He wasn’t just giving a suggestion for good community living. He was giving a command that reflects His heart. Loving your neighbor doesn’t always mean doing something huge. Sometimes it just means paying attention. Being kind. Choosing grace. Speaking the truth. Being steady when everything else feels shaky.
The truth is, people may never open a Bible, but they will read your life. That means how you love, how you speak, and how you show up matters. You do not have to be perfect, but you do have to be real. What are you known for? When people hear your name, what comes to mind? You are already someone’s neighbor. The question is, what kind?
Jesus did not call us to blend in or keep to ourselves. He called us to love on purpose. To be the kind of neighbor who reflects who He is. Not loud about it. Just faithful. Present. Ready.
What kind of neighbor are you becoming? Ask God to help you be one who leaves others better, not just impressed or entertained.
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