Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

IF JESUS HAD NEIGHBORS, I THINK IT WOULD LOOK LIKE THIS

‘“So I give you now a new commandment: Love each other just as much as I have loved you. For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you’re my true followers.”’ John 13:34–35

In the late 90’s I went to high school. It was quite the intersection of vibes. While everyone around me enjoyed grunge rock, I followed the way toward hip-hop. I couldn’t get enough of Diddy, Tupac and Dr. Dre. I played sports and tuned that music into every play I made.

At the same time, there was this resurgence of Christian kids “witnessing” to people. This basically meant that teenagers would go around asking kids, “do you know where you would go if you died?”

I get it — it’s a bit of a fear tactic. But, it didn’t stop there. There were other kids who were in this “radical for Jesus” phase. This meant they did some pretty stupid 💩 just for people to hear the name of Jesus.

For instance, this one girl I knew and went to church with, decided to stand on top of the school lunch table and yell out, “I love Jesus, how about you?”

Really, f’n embarrassing type stuff. I felt really, really bad for her. It was like, she wasn’t trying for people to know Jesus — she was just dumb enough to stand on a f’n table and yell stupid 💩. Plus, she was a “nerd” anyway, and this type of stunt only verified her status.

This was one of the many reasons — “I Hated Church”. It was totally un-relatable. Completely pissed me off. I felt like only “idiots” went to church.

(That was an example of how to completely f up an introduction to Jesus.)

You obviously know how I feel about this sort of behavior, which leads me to, “what is the right way?”

I think my wife is an exceptional example of how to “love” people. And, I can say it because wherever we have lived, (two different continents 🇺🇸 🇦🇺 ) she has always been fantastic with our neighbors. It was through our neighborhood friendships FIRST that we could know the best way to SERVE our neighbors.

It’s basically like this. Jesus looked out for us. I should be dead and I’m not. It’s a pretty miraculous story. So, how can we share this magic with others? How do we do it in a way that is contagious?

The only way — without an intervening miracle, is through getting to know the people you want to influence. And, they have to GET TO KNOW you. The good thing about this phase, it’s all on God. If God has BLESSED your life — it will show. If not, you’re trying too hard.

What does kickin’ it (aka 💕 people) with your neighbors look like? Here’s a few examples.

1. Care about what they care about. One of our neighbors loves animals. We love animals but also love to shoot them (with licensed BB Guns). So, loving our neighbors means we don’t shoot the birds our neighbor loves.
2. Be generous. In Proverbs 19:6 it says, ‘Everyone wants to be close to the rich and famous, but a generous person has all the friends he wants!’ If you want friends, show yourself to be friendly. Just recently, we gave a bicycle to one of our neighbors. It seemed like just a small thing but it BUSTED OPEN the channel of communication and friendship.
3. Ask helpful questions. For instance, “is there anything you need help with?” It’s a scary question to ask because you just don’t know what people will say. However, when you humble yourself, God does the heavy lifting. He won’t put more on you than you can handle.
4. Break bread with them. There is nothing more caring and loving than sharing food. You may need to wait on this one with Covid-19, however, you could also send food. Chantelle recently made an abundance of sauce for her pasta. And, because it’s so good — we checked on our neighbor (a single mom) and sent it over to her. If you love food — you love people.
5. Put courage in them. When was the last time you texted your neighbor to let them know you’re with them. I like to say, “I’m praying with you,” rather than “I’m praying for you.” I find when I say “for you,” it feels belittling. I want people to know — “I’m with you.” Or, when was the last time you thanked them or encouraged them about life, their kids or their business.

“From caring comes courage.” — Lao Tzu

If Jesus were around today, I think he’d want people to feel known. His life on Earth was so much about relationship. His secret to success was built on being present in every moment. He never wasted an opportunity. He was ready in every season. He wasn’t f’n with his phone — he would be using his phone to make people feel known.

What about you and I? I wish I could do better but that’s why every single day — I ask for help.

Someone needs your love today. It’s as simple as making them feel known. And, the more “love” you give — the more “love” you shall receive.

Let’s pray:
Jesus, I need love today. Inasmuch as I need it, I know I need to give it. Help me to see and prepare to give this love that you gave me. I want to know more about it — so I can share of it. May this day be filled with your divine courage. May my words and actions mimic yours. Thanks for your help. Amen.