What we learn about being a good neighbor in..
-recent sociological research:
social capital is a primary contributor to a sense of well being.

Matthew 22:36-40

New International Version (NIV)

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Footnotes:

Matthew 22:37 Deut. 6:5
Matthew 22:39 Lev. 19:18

The bible:
-It’s the essence of everything God recommends.
-It’s a picture of heaven

Zechariah 3:10

New International Version (NIV)

10 “‘In that day each of you will invite your neighbor to sit under your vine and fig tree,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”

Isaiah 11:6-10

New International Version (NIV)

6 The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling[a] together;
and a little child will lead them.
7 The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
8 The infant will play near the cobra’s den,
and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.
9 They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.

10 In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.

How do you know if you’re a good neighbor?
Your neighbors recognize you and seem happy to see you.

John 3:14-15; John 12:32 (New International Version)
Page Options
Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on email

<< < = = >
>>

Show resources
Add parallel
John 3:14-15

New International Version (NIV)

14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[a] 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”[b]
Footnotes:

John 3:14 The Greek for lifted up also means exalted.
John 3:15 Some interpreters end the quotation with verse 21.

John 12:32

New International Version (NIV)

32 And I, when I am lifted up[a] from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
Footnotes:

John 12:32 The Greek for lifted up also means exalted.

1 Corinthians 11:1

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

A few keys to loving your neighbor
– It takes time.
– Eating together turns out to be surprisingly important.
-Make their interests your interests

Luke 10:8
If you enter a town and it welcomes you, eat whatever is set before you.

Why be a good neighbor in urban Worcester?
– It is the neighborhood we have in common.
– It’s easier and more fun to be good neighbors together.
– Together we can make a bigger impact.