Being a Good Neighbor

Being a Good Neighbor

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.

Luke 10:33-34 NIV

While I haven’t enjoyed being out in 10 degree weather, the recent snow storm has given each of us the opportunity to help someone else. Even as I write this (on Monday morning), the sound of snowblowers is echoing through my neighborhood. Those who own them have cleared their driveways and are now clearing their neighbors’ driveways of snow. It’s a good thing to see! Edmund Burke once said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”

Here’s how it works in my corner of the neighborhood. Marjorie stores her snowblower in her garage through the spring, summer and fall and then I bring it to my shed around Thanksgiving, clean the spark plug, oil the moving parts and get it ready for the winter months. Then, when the snow flies, I gas it up, clear the snow from her driveway, continue removing the snow from Nick, Casey and Kendra’s driveway (located between Marjorie’s house and mine) and then I clear my own driveway. The arrangement works out really well, don’t you think? You see, for me to stand by and do nothing while others need help, would make me as guilty as if I was the one causing their discomfort. I hope I never pass up the opportunity to show the people God places in my path what kindness, mercy, and compassion look like. And I hope I always appreciate my neighbors’ willingness to let me serve them during these bitter winter months.

Perhaps you’ll recall that Jesus told a story about a good Samaritan. He talked about a man who had been stripped, beaten, and left for dead. A priest and a Levite, where were both considered holy men of that time, passed him by and ignored his pain. But it was a Samaritan, who was considered a social outcast, who took pity on the man. The Samaritan not only took care of him in that moment but also left money for the innkeeper and asked him to look after the man until he was well. Jesus says that the Samaritan was the man who was the neighbor.

         The think is, we all have ways, both big and small, that we can be a good neighbor in so many areas of our life. It doesn’t have to be as dramatic as rescuing a blooded man on the side of the road (although that could be the case). It can be as simple as bringing a meal to a sick neighbor, stopping by the house of an elderly friend to see if he or she needs anything, welcoming the kid who roams the neighborhood into your home for a cookie and a glass of milk, or listening to a coworker who’s going through a hard time.

God has placed us in unique areas of our world where He calls us to be His hands and feet, to love the hurting, to take care of the sick, and to carry each other’s burdens when we can’t carry them alone. That’s really what life is all about. Where can you help today? Where can you make a difference? Where can you be a good neighbor today?



Thanks for reading Pastor Dale’s Mid-Week Encouragement.  It’s not copyrighted so feel free to share it with someone who needs encouragement today. And, if you’re a regular attender of the Mt. Laurel Church of God, please consider reading Matthew 4:12-23 to get yourself ready to hear God’s message this coming Sunday, February 1, as we worship the King of kings and Lord of lords! (Yes, that Scripture is correct. Because of the snow cancelation, we’ll be pushing the preaching schedule back a week).

Called to know the Way, go the Way, and show you the Way,

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.