Scripture has so much to say about how we show love and care for others. In some cases, it directly calls us to love our neighbors well. But how? As I’ve thought and prayed about this, I felt the Lord put three things on my heart:

Neighbors express love.
When asked about the greatest commandment in all of the law, Jesus answered: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39) Because we are loved by God, we love others. And not just a little bit, we love others a lot! And not just in word, but in deeds, by doing what we can to help them in tangible ways. Lately, I’ve been praying for God to turn my concerns for those things toward my neighbors.

Neighbors move toward others.
We see this in the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). When confronted with a man who had been beaten and left for dead, the religious leaders walked right by, but the Samaritan, the most unlikely of all the characters, crossed the road, inconvenienced himself, and took care of the man’s needs. Being a neighbor means we cross the road. We move in close. There’s close proximity involved.

Neighbors celebrate one another and share one another’s burdens.
Romans 12:15 compels us: “Celebrate with those who celebrate, and weep with those who grieve.” (TPT) In other words, their joys become our joys; their needs become our needs.

I’m praying God will show us in increasing measure how to be good neighbors because many students and adults in our community right now sure need us to be.

To get us started, here are TTLM’s Top 10 Tips on How To Be A Neighbor!

Download the PDF

1. Meet Someone New

It could be an actual neighbor you see all the time but never talk to, or maybe someone you’re always seeing at the coffee shop but don‘t know. Introduce yourself, and get to know your neighbor!

2. Donate to a Local Charity

Interested in supporting TTLM by donating or volunteering?

Our local nonprofits are doing amazing work to address our neighbors’ needs. Consider making a donation to a cause that’s close to your heart, and sharing in the impact through your generosity.

3. Volunteer with a Local Charity

While nonprofits need donations, they also need volunteers. Call a local charity, tell them about your skills, and ask how you can help them accomplish their mission. Or just ask what they need done, and jump in to help!

4. Help Someone Anonymously

Nothing feels better than helping someone and not telling them it was you. Then, celebrate their blessing with them! It’s extra special if you anonymously help someone you don’t even know!

5. Celebrate Someone's Accomplishments

Everyone wants to be celebrated, but most people won’t ask for it. So, find someone you know, and celebrate their accomplishments. Parties are great, but sometimes, words are enough.

6. Perform a Random Act of Kindness

It could be an act of service or maybe a gift for no reason at all.

***Click this image to download the printable Good Neighbor Award.***

7. Give Someone the Good Neighbor Award

People are doing good for others all around us, and we should acknowledge them. When you see someone being a good neighbor, recognize them on social media and name them a “Good Neighbor.”

8. Encourage Someone

Our neighbors are in crisis and hurting. When you see someone looking sad or defeated, take the opportunity to stop and encourage them.

9. Take Someone to Lunch or Coffee

Sharing a meal or a cup of coffee with someone can be a very healing experience. Use this to restore a relationship, encourage someone, or just get to know your neighbor on a deeper level.

10. Write a Letter on Paper

A handwritten letter communicates significant care and concern for someone because of the effort it requires over sending an email or text. Take the time to write someone a letter and tell them how much you love and/or appreciate them.

BONUS TIP:

#11 Shop Local

It’s easy to forget there are real people behind our local small businesses who have real families with real needs. Another way you can be a good neighbor is to shop local and support small businesses asmuch as you can.