In this article, we are going to take a look at a type of relationship that is relevant to all of us. The relationship between us and our neighbours is largely defining our every day life. In the old testament God gave specific instructions on how to behave with our neighbours, in almost all of life’s circumstances. It would be a very lengthy article to deal with every single instruction the Bible gives us, therefore the purpose of this article is to bring the focus on the importance of this relationship.
Soon after moving to Austria, we moved into an apartment where at least 15 families lived, plus the 6 other neighbouring apartment blocks. We had never lived in such close proximity to our neighbours, and we were not sure how our relationship with them would be. Add to that the language barrier, and we were really at a disadvantage. People seemed cold and suspicious, and often would not even greet us back. When we did something that might have annoyed them, they would snap and tell us off. But we would learn and observe how things are done, when people live in such close proximity, and smiled and greeted everyone without fail. After a year or so, people started to smile and return our greetings. Occasionally some would stop for a quick chat. By the end of the three years that we lived there, there were some people that we got to know really well. When it came time to move, and we began the process of packing, carrying items to the trailers and cars, people were lining up to ask us what we were doing, and to express their disappointment that we were leaving. That’s when we realised that although we didn’t know all of these people, they had been watching us and accepted us in such a short period of time. The lesson for us was that even if people don’t show kindness or do not start a conversation with you, does not mean that they are not observing what kind of person you are. If you return unkindness to their seeming coldness or indifference, you lose the chance God has given us to reflect his love and character to them.
In Genesis chapter 14, there is a story in the life of Abraham were he was put in a position to show true neighbourliness. Lot makes a bad decision and moves away from Abraham toward the city of Sodom, and eventually lives inside the city. A confederacy of four kings was in control of the five major cities in the plain of Sodom, and when the five cities rebelled, Chedolaomer the king of Elam came with his confederates to crush the rebellion. In the course of the fighting, the five kings of the plain were defeated and fled, and the people of the cities, including Lot and his family, were taken as prisoners by Chedolaomer. When Abraham received the news of the events, he could not sit still and see the injustice continue.
“Seeking, first of all, divine counsel, Abraham prepared for war. From his own encampment he summoned three hundred and eighteen trained servants, men trained in the fear of God, in the service of their master, and in the practice of arms. His confederates, Mamre, Eschol, and Aner, joined him with their bands, and together they started in pursuit of the invaders. The Elamites and their allies had encamped at Dan, on the northern border of Canaan. Flushed with victory, and having no fear of an assault from their vanquished foes, they had given themselves up to reveling. The patriarch divided his force so as to approach from different directions, and came upon the encampment by night. His attack, so vigorous and unexpected, resulted in speedy victory…
Lot and his family, with all the prisoners and their goods, were recovered, and a rich booty fell into the hands of the victors. To Abraham, under God, the triumph was due. The worshiper of Jehovah had not only rendered a great service to the country, but had proved himself a man of valor. It was seen that righteousness is not cowardice, and that Abraham’s religion made him courageous in maintaining the right and defending the oppressed. His heroic act gave him a widespread influence among the surrounding tribes.
Abraham regarded the claims of justice and humanity. His conduct illustrates the inspired maxim, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Leviticus 19:18.” Patriarchs and Prophets p.135
Although today, God does not ask us to go to war for our neighbours, there are still many things we can do to show good neighbourliness. Abraham’s example teaches us that in whatever circumstance we find ourselves, it is our Christian duty to be noble, courageous, just, and quick to help a neighbour in need. In fact, God expects every one of us to show his character to our neighbours, even if the neighbours are in the wrong.
Who is my neighbour?
By definition and common understanding, a neighbour means the people living in close proximity to where you live, the houses or apartments next to you, under or above you, across the road, behind your property, etc. Does this mean, that they are the only people that fit into that category?
The Bible expands on this with the story of a lawyer that came to Jesus asking what he should do to inherit eternal life. Jesus responded with a question back to him: “What is written in the law?”
“And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” Luke 10:27-28
Because he had come to Jesus to tempt him, and also to justify himself, he said to Jesus then, “Who is my neighbour?” Jesus responded by simply telling the story of the Good Samaritan. You can read this story in Luke 10:30-35.
Then Jesus asked them to tell him which of the three in the story was a true neighbour to the fallen man. Of course they had to answer, “He that showed mercy.” And Jesus told them to do likewise.
In Matthews’ telling of this story, he doesn’t include the story of the Good Samaritan, but he includes something that Jesus said that is extremely applicable to our understanding of the story.
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:38-40
Love is the basis of all the commandments. “Love is the basis of godliness. Whatever the profession, no man has pure love to God unless he has unselfish love for his brother.” Christ Object Lessons p.384
Let us be better neighbours. Let us love our neighbours as ourselves, so we may inherit eternal life.