Faith Words: My Neighbor

Inside every home on every street there are people - real people.  Life today, even in West Texas, means isolation. Oh, sure, we might wave as we drive by or when we pick up the newspaper, But most of the time we don't even know our neighbors' names.

In isolation, a single parent worries how to pay the bills. An elderly couple struggles to change the light bulbs or mow the grass.  A child wonders how to fit in at school.  A family hides their hunger.

Do you know your neighbor?  Is there someone you need to reach out to who lives close by, who goes to school with your kids, who works in the cubicle next to yours, who sits near you at church?

Jesus told us to be salt and light.  He told us to treat one another like we want to be treated.  He reminded us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

Next time you're picking up the mail at the neighborhood mail box, introduce yourself to the guy watering his flowerbeds.  Next Sunday morning, sit in a different area of the worship center and introduce yourself to the single mom who managed to get all the kids dressed and to church.  Help out at the benevolence center.  Volunteer at a local school or family center.

Isolation can be a terrible weight.  In isolation, troubles seem larger, people become desperate, hope fades. Your hand and your heart extended with the love of Christ can make a difference - one life at a time.

Hi, neighbor!

Patrice

Galatians 6:2 NIV

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.