Does the ideal neighbour exist ?

In a world where a show of the slightest emotion is described as being weak, how then can one be a good neighbour talk more of an ideal one ?

As a 3 year old, I remember living beside a nice family. I think it was 2003 or so , I remember them always bringing food for us and being exceptionally caring.

Some 17 years later, that little gesture of care is what I think of when I think of an ideal neighbour. With reference to them, can you say that someone somewhere will remember you for the care you have shown in the past?

Why so uptight?

I am that neighbour that just wants peace of mind . Truthfully, I have met my direct neighbour only once and a Hi was fine for me. One year later, I’m much better with saying hi and actually caring.

You know how the world sets standards without you even noticing, that is what has happened with the concept of neighbours. A quick example is the concept of love, if it doesn’t go a certain way then it is not love. I wrote a post above love, you can check it here.

Unintentionally, you find yourself conforming to these standards that no one in particular set. You stick to your own side and say Hi only when needed. In plain terms, you mind your business and let others mind theirs.

God didn’t intend for the world to be like that. When Job was in his trying times, the Bible records that he prayed for his friends (neighbours) and God blessed him twice as much. Note, he could not have prayed for his friends if he didn’t have any.

‘And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. ‘ Job 42:10

Who is your neighbour?

As a child, this was one of the first stories I learnt in Church sunday school. What stands out in the story every time is the fact that the guy who helped could have gone his own way to do what he had to do. The story is adapted from Luke 10:29-37:

‘Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. ‘ Luke 10:30

‘Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. ‘ Luke 10:31

‘Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. ‘ Luke 10:32

When you can help someone, why will you leave them helpless or even make up excuses ?

The Good Samaritan

‘But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. ‘ Luke 10:33-34

‘On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ ‘ Luke 10:35

‘So which of these three do you think was neighbour to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”’ Luke 10:36-37

In the article, The Spice of life, one of the spices I wrote about is Mercy. It was mercy that opened the door for the injured man in this story. A very important characteristic a neighbour should always have is mercy.

The reason I shared this story was because I feel we can all relate to the characters in our different ways. At some point, we have all played the different characters but maybe in a more subtle way.

Are you waiting till it’s your turn?

As human beings, we all have the tendency to wait till something happens to us before we react. How unfortunate! Many people have lost loved ones, properties and a lot more because of this attitude.

It’s not fair to disregard something because it did not happen to you. If you want an ideal neighbour then be the ideal neighbour you want.

Everyone has a different list of characteristics for their ideal neighbour, what’s important is : Do you match the characteristics you are setting for the imaginary person in your mind ?

Don’t wait for an ideal neighbour to show up, be the ideal neighbour you want now and watch others follow in your footsteps with time.

How to be the Ideal neighbour you want?

‘And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ‘ Matthew 22:39
‘Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.’ Romans 13:10
‘Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it, ” When you have it with you.’ Proverbs 3:28
‘Do not devise evil against your neighbor, For he dwells by you for safety’s sake.’ Proverbs 3:29
‘He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, But a man of understanding holds his peace.’ Proverbs 11:12

I pray that each one of us makes the conscious decision to be the ideal neighbour we want and pray for.