Loving Your Neighbor Today

Eric Johnson at the Desiring God blog has a great post about our need to see the world around us and their need for Christ. He talks about ways to love our neighbors in Haiti, as well as our neighbors in our city.

This all started when he went to a candlelight vigil for a couple of Somali immigrants who were killed in an attempted robbery.

He says this:

A colleague and I went to the candlelight vigil the community held for these men, and I was struck with how little I really knew about these men and the thousands of East African immigrants in my community. I had passed this market dozens of times and never stopped in. Surely, at least once, I could have purchased a Coke and struck up a conversation?

We know that in this world, there will be tragedies and suffering. As Christian Hedonists, we need to stand ready to give an account for the hope and confidence we have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15). But if we never step out to meet others, it's not likely we'll ever have a chance to tell of the hope we have in God.

With these two events in mind, here are some practical things we can do to love our neighbors:

1. If you're able, go. Go to Haiti and serve.
2. Donate to churches and ministries that are working in Haiti.
3. Volunteer in your city. Help immigrants learn English. Babysit a neighbor's kids. Buy a Coke at a local market and get to know the clerk.
4. Be ready to give an account for the hope that you have. As you serve, look for chances to talk about the good news of the Gospel. Ultimately, if we truly love our neighbors, we will care not only for their immediate physical needs, but their spiritual needs as well.

What things are you or your church doing to love your neighbor? Leave a comment and let us know.