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Print Building Bridges With Your Neighbours
In thi
s 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?
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.
Ask God to show you your neighbourhood, 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 neighbourly.
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?
Now, make a conscious effort to pursue a relationship by setting aside time for them. It may involve extending hospitality: 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.
As you get to know your neighbours, 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 shovelling the sidewalk?
Give gifts. Time is often the most precious gift, but sometimes a card or a batch or cookies says a lot too. There are also great gifts of the gospel available: the JESUS video in their native tongue, Women Today Magazine On Disc or a magazine such as Women Today, Knowing Jesus Personally, or A Christmas Digest. All of these products are available by calling 1-800-563-1106 and asking for the materials department.
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.
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 neighbours, 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!
-- Janet Fierbach, Director of Promotions, Women Today, Canada
Action Point
On Your Knees for Your NeighboursIf you pray for ways to reach out to your neighbours, amazing things will happen. Guaranteed.
1. Start by praying that God will give you a heart to reach your neighbours. They may not always be the most loveable, and sometimes you may feel that you have very little in common. But God can and will work in your heart.
2. Pray for neighbours by name. Ask the Lord to:
work in their lives
make them ripe for the harvest
prepare their hearts for your witness
show you how to share with them
3. Let your neighbours know you are praying for them when they are going through difficult times.
Many people appreciate the power of prayer. The captain of the ship the prophet Jonah was on did: "The captain went to him and said, 'How can you sleep? Get up and call on your God! Maybe he will take notice of us, and we will not perish'" (Jonah 1:6).
