“Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.” – Proverbs 3:29
Growing up in a rural community in western New York, I learned the importance of neighbors from my dad. We lived at a Methodist campground which was surrounded by seasonal cottages and lakefront homes. It was an idyllic setting in the finger lake region, with four complete seasons and many opportunities for outdoor recreation.
As a young child, I recall my dad spending time getting to know each of our neighbors. Whether through casual conversation, working together on a landscaping project, eating chicken BBQ, or sharing in celebrations and sorrows, my dad knew each neighbor by name. He knew their stories and invested in their lives. I recall him saying a thousand times “it’s always good to know your neighbors.”
Our neighbors in that town were no different than neighbors in any town. We did not all agree, get along, or even like each other every day. There were plenty of squabbles over drainage or weeds or traffic. But when you know your neighbors, it’s much harder to be in conflict with one another. Somehow you figure out how to live with one another despite the differences. I’m not sure any of our neighbors were our “best friends” but we cared for one another in good times and hard times. I would be happy to see any one of them today and would not only call them by name but ask about their families and personal lives.
In a world where too many “conversations” and “friends” are virtual, I still believe that knowing our neighbors is a good practice. I always try to go out of my way to say hello to a neighbor and express an interest in them. Even small gestures of care and concern can bridge the distance from one neighbor to another. At the end of the day, knowing our neighbors is not just a good thing, I believe it is what Jesus would call us to do! I hope you will take time today to love your neighbor in some small but tangible way.
– Phil Greenwald, Executive Pastor of Administration
