Word to the Wise: Neighbouring

Intro

Play some more “Wise and Otherwise”

*Scottish, Chinese, Greek, Arabic, Scottish*

Today we are talking in particular about being a good neighbour

We see lots of examples in the world around us, for example:

State Farm slogan, Wilson on Home Improvement, Mister Roger’s Neighbourhood.

Scripture talks quite a lot about this as well

The Law dictated how communities should operate, Jesus teaches to love our neighbor as ourself and shows that anyone can be a good neighbour in the parable of the Good Samaritan

Proverbs is much more concerned with the Old Testament emphasis on physical neighbours and community building

That is our focus, too; let’s pray

Who is My Neighbour?

The importance of community (Prov. 27:10)

This Proverb reminds us of the focus on physical neighbours who are near

More than that, it emphasizes the importance of community; having good relationships with those close to you is of great value

Share about not being close to neighbours in Stonewall and appreciating our neighbours in Steinbach

Neighbours are part of the many important relationships that support and encourage your family; don’t dismiss them!

Talk about the driving straight into garages in Airdrie

Be aware of who your neighbours are:

In close proximity

Show “Who is My Neighbor?” card and explain it

Rural settings can be different, but it still possible and important to know your neighbours

By name

This is the easy part! But it shouldn’t stop just at their names… what about kids, pets, etc?

Get to know the details

Be intentional to take the time to stop, talk and listen

Share about chatting with Roy at the edge of the driveway or Bill while we are both doing yardwork

“Better is a neighbour who is near than a brother who is far away...” when you take the time to build a relationship with them

It is Blessed to Give and Receive

Be generous to your neighbours (Prov. 3:28)

This Proverb describes it negatively (what not to do), but the idea is clear

With your stuff

This is just good life practice: Are you generous with what you own?

Talk about Karen making lots of food for neighbours and us holding a block party BBQ

With your time

This can certainly refer back to those “extra” conversations on the driveways and in back yards

Can (and should) go even further: Having people over for dinner, messaging to see how they are doing, going for coffee, etc.

Even if you don’t have stuff, you certainly have time

With your attention

This is the cumulative effect of being generous; it shows that you truly care for the people around you

And this in turn opens doors to talk about things that truly matter, because you trust each other

Allow your neighbors to be generous in return (can be harder to do!)

Blesses you

When they are also generous with their stuff, time and attention, it is a great benefit to you!

So many examples of snow blowers, roof rakes, watching kids… even helping us with renos!

One of our joys in Steinbach is our neighbours

Blesses them

Jesus himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Cf. Acts 20:35)

When you allow others to be generous with what they have, you show them dignity, value and allow them to enjoy the blessing of giving

This is also how healthy relationships work: mutually

Read from “Faithful in Small Things” p. 96

If you want to be a good neighbour, receiving is just as important as giving....

Just don’t be a constant imposition on them (Prov. 25:17)

This Proverb is hilarious… and steeped in the obligation of hospitality in the Law of Moses

For example, if your neighbour became extremely poor, the Law commanded you take him in your own home! (Cf. Lev. 25:35)

There would have been people who leveraged the obligations of the Law to their benefit

Today, it is true that you should be able to receive… in balance

They goal is mutuality. Give and receive freely.

Don’t wear out your welcome in the neighbourhood

Point People to Jesus

Read Prov. 12:26

You can be a good spiritual influence to your neighbours

You are a guide; Paul calls you an ambassador of Christ

How you live and relate to those around you can have a profound spiritual impact

A guide does his job on purpose, and so should you: Point people to Jesus!

Starts with being aware, being generous and receiving

Includes modeling and showing a life lived for Jesus

Should eventually include intentional spiritual conversations

“Bring God up” (take the spiritual fork in the road)

Share your story (elevator testimony)

Invite people to church (invitations on the back table)

You can be a bad spiritual influence to your neighbours (“the way of the wicked leads them astray”)

You are STILL a guide, just guiding in the wrong direction

Lack awareness of your neighbours; have a hard time with generosity

Model inconsistent Christian behaviour that reinforces worries about hypocrisy in the church

Shy away from deep and meangingful conversations about Jesus

You WILL have an influence on your neighbours; what kind of influence will it be?

Conclusion

Word to the Wise: Jesus is made known when you take the time to be a good and generous neighbour

Pray