“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor.

Romans 13:9b-10a

He seemed like a grouchy, old neighbor. Mr. Sinatro yelled at us kids when we ran through his yard. Then came that fateful day. My home run sailed through his garage window. I was doomed! Later that day, my dad and I knocked on his door. Shaking, I apologized profusely, while my dad promised to replace the broken window. But our neighbor was all smiles, telling us about his young grandson who was quite a baseball player. We were proud neighbors years later when Mr. Sinatro’s grandson made the major leagues. The unexpected kindness and forgiveness I experienced that day helped me see my neighbors differently. I took time to listen to some of the older neighbors on my paper route. I found out they were often lonely and craved companionship. Who is your neighbor who needs to receive the touch of Christ’s kindness and help and hope through you?

Gil Duchow
Muskego, WI

Lord Jesus, help us to love others as You have loved us — selflessly and sacrificially. Amen.

Reflect: Who among your extended family or community needs a caring, Christian neighbor?

Read: Luke 10:25-37 and Romans 13:8-10