Build Bridges With Your Neighbors
In this age of high mobility and high activity, it’s an incredible challenge to develop relationships with the people around us. But it is possible. Jesus promised in Acts 1:8 that when we are filled with His Spirit, we shall be His witnesses, starting in our neighbourhood and going as far as the ends of the earth.
So, how can we begin to build relationships that allow us to care for others and ultimately give them an opportunity to hear the message of God’s love?
- Pray
As you start each day, pray that God will fill you with His Holy Spirit so you will be in tune with His plans. Make sure there’s no sin you are refusing to confess. Then invite God to take control of your thoughts, motives, actions, speech–everything.
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- Open your eyes
Ask God to show you your neighborhood, the people in your sphere of influence. Don’t limit yourself to the family next door. Remember, the Good Samaritan was far from home when he was neighborly.
- Ponder
As God brings people to your mind, evaluate your relationship with them. What do you know about their life or their needs that would give you an opportunity to show you care?
- Plan
Now, make a conscious effort to pursue a relationship by setting aside time for them. It may involve extending hospitality, perhaps inviting someone over for coffee or hosting a block party at Christmas. If your schedule seems too full, consider decreasing the number of your regular activities.
- Serve
As you get to know your neighbors, listen. Find out what they enjoy, what they struggle with, what motivates them. As you listen, you’ll also discover ways in which you can become more involved in their life. Can you babysit at the last minute? Do they need help shoveling the sidewalk?
- Give
Give gifts. Time is often the most precious gift, but sometimes a card or a batch of cookies says a lot too. There are also great gifts of the gospel available: the JESUS film in their native tongue, or a magazine such as Knowing Jesus Personally, or A Christmas Digest.
- Be yourself
Be honest about your own life. We don’t have to pretend to be perfect. In fact, when we’re honest about our struggles, it’s an opportunity to explain how knowing Christ makes a difference in our life.
- Be bold
And finally, don’t be afraid to share how you came to know the Lord. Being a Christian is part of who you are and as you share your spiritual pilgrimage, it will help establish a relationship of trust.
As you build bridges with your neighbors, believe God is at work in their heart. Too often we buy the lie that people don’t want to know God, so we don’t even attempt to get involved in their lives. Have an expectant attitude. Remember, Jesus came to seek and save the lost and He has not resigned!
