5 Mistakes I Made in My Neighborhood

 


Meet my new friend Amy Lively. Amy lives in Buena Vista, Colorado, and is the author of "How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird."

Amy's book is worth reading and so are her monthly emails. She recently wrote a blog post that asked if I could share on this blog because, well, it was really good!

Her topic, the five mistakes I made in my neighborhood, really resonated with me. Honestly, I could add more to the list. Things like do not call a neighbor by the wrong name for months, do not forget to invite a neighbor to an event even if they have never attended anything before, and never ever talk about a neighbor by text.

By Amy's list is much better. So here you go, the Top 5 mistakes Amy has made in loving her neighbor:

#5 Don’t Pray

Don’t pray for your neighbors by name, and definitely don’t ask God to give you opportunities to interact with them on a daily basis. What if He said YES?! 

#4 Get Discouraged

Let petty arguments with your neighbors or strife within your own home convince you that you have no right to do ministry on your street. Become weighed down with self-doubt and criticism. Believe that you are unqualified, unequipped, and probably uncalled. 

#3 Wait Until You Have Time

Add an addendum to Christ’s #2 Command: “Love your neighbor as yourself… when it conveniently fits into your schedule.” Make sure your calendar is clear (and you also have time to clean the house) before you ever invite anyone over. 

#2 Build a Big Fence

Pull into your attached garage and stay isolated on your private patio. Under no circumstances attend neighborhood watch meetings or visit your neighbors’ yard sales. Shun dog walkers and joggers; avoid eye contact at the mailbox. Good fences make good neighbors, right? 

#1 Be Perfect

Make sure your neighbors know you have it all together. Impress them with your ideal marriage, impeccable children, and pristine landscaping. Put yourself on a pedestal so they can’t see that you need a Savior, too. Don't let them see your dirty laundry or relate to you as a real person. 

Do you want to be a good neighbor? Wrap your neighborhood in prayer, and never believe the lie that you aren't qualified or called to love people well. Be inconvenienced: it's worth it! Spend face time in the front yard, and just be yourself. When we form relationships naturally over picket fences and carpool lines, the spiritual conversations will follow.


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