Who Is My Neighbour?
Have you ever stopped to think about what it means to be a good neighbour? For most of us, the word “neighbour” brings to mind the people who live next door. But the Bible shows us that being a neighbour is about more than proximity. It’s about how we treat those around us—both near and far.
So, who is our neighbour, really? And what does it mean to love them in a way that matters?
Who Counts as My Neighbour?
The Bible paints a broad and beautiful picture of who our neighbours are. It challenges us to expand our definition:
The People Next Door:
Proverbs 3:29 reminds us not to harm the ones who “live trustfully near” us. In today’s terms, this could mean the family across the street or the person you nod at on your morning walk.
Those Like Us:
In the Old Testament, neighbours were often understood as members of the same community or group. Leviticus 19:18 encouraged the Israelites to love their fellow Israelites as themselves.
Those in Need:
Jesus completely shifts the conversation in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). In this story, the “neighbour” isn’t determined by proximity or background. Instead, it’s the Samaritan—a cultural outsider—who shows kindness to someone in need. Jesus flips the question from “Who is my neighbour?” to “How can I be a neighbour?”
Fellow Christians:
In Ephesians 4:25, Paul encourages believers to treat one another with honesty and care, emphasizing our shared commitment to Christ.
It’s clear: being a neighbour isn’t just about who someone is. It’s about how we choose to act.
What Does It Mean to Love Your Neighbour?
The Bible doesn’t leave us guessing about what loving our neighbours looks like. It gives us practical steps that are surprisingly relevant today:
Love in Action:
Jesus calls loving your neighbour one of the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-39). But love isn’t just a warm feeling—it’s active. Romans 13:10 says, “Love does no harm to a neighbour.” That means looking out for others’ well-being, even in small ways.
Help When It’s Needed:
Have you ever seen someone struggling and hesitated to step in? The Bible encourages us to help, even when it’s inconvenient. Exodus 23:4-5 talks about returning a neighbour’s lost animal or helping someone with a heavy load. Modern examples could be as simple as carrying groceries for someone or mowing an elderly neighbour’s lawn.
Be Fair and Honest:
Loving your neighbour means treating them with fairness and respect. Leviticus 19:13 warns against exploiting others, while Zechariah 8:16 urges us to “speak the truth to each other.” Even in everyday interactions—like returning someone’s change or being transparent in business—we’re called to honesty.
Forgive Quickly:
Relationships can be messy. Maybe someone said something hurtful, or there’s an ongoing grudge. Forgiveness can be tough, but Ephesians 4:32 reminds us to forgive as God forgave us. It’s freeing—for them and for us.
Hold Each Other Accountable (With Love):
Sometimes, loving our neighbours means having hard conversations. Leviticus 19:17 talks about gently correcting someone when they’re heading down the wrong path. This isn’t about judgment but about helping each other grow.
What Should We Avoid?
Just as the Bible tells us what to do, it also warns against what not to do.
Lying About Others:
Proverbs 24:28 says, “Do not testify against your neighbour without cause.” Gossip and dishonesty harm relationships and trust.
Exploitation:
Jeremiah 22:13 condemns withholding wages or taking advantage of others. Whether it’s at work or in daily life, treating people fairly is key.
Judgment:
James 4:12 reminds us that only God is the Judge. It’s tempting to criticize, but Jesus encourages us to focus on our own hearts first (Matthew 7:1-5).
Why Does This Matter?
Imagine a community where everyone lived out these principles. Where love, fairness, and forgiveness shaped every interaction. Sounds like a dream, right? But it’s not impossible.
Small acts of kindness—helping a neighbour carry their groceries, offering a kind word, or forgiving an old grudge—can ripple outward and change lives. When we love our neighbours, we reflect God’s love in a way that’s both practical and powerful.
The Good Samaritan didn’t change the world in one grand gesture, but his small act of mercy made all the difference to the man on the side of the road. What if we approached our neighbours with that same mindset?
Loving your neighbour doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about seeing others the way God does and taking small, meaningful steps toward kindness and care. So, who’s ready to make their community a little brighter?
