10 proven ways to get to know your neighbors - Melanie Redd
Teaming up with some of my very favorite blogging friends, we are offering a series that we are calling, “The Summer Sizzle Series.”
Each week, I’ll be sharing the best articles from several amazing women that I personally know, pray for, do ministry with, and dearly love.
I believe you are going to be blessed!
Today, you get to hear from one of my good friends in the blogging world. She and I teamed up last year for the Delight in Doctrine series.
Her words are always practical and poignant. I’m truly inspired to reach out to my neighbors after reading this post.
I believe you will be as well!
These types of efforts are often rewarded by stronger community bonds and
new friendships.
Those are wonderful blessings: good for your heart, mind, and soul.
But as Christians, there’s another, more important reason behind our desire to love our neighbors.
Jesus asked us to.
It’s that simple.
A heart of hospitality honors God through obedience.
A heart of hospitality honors God through obedience. Click To Tweet
Here’s the other thing. Loving our neighbor is something that needs to happen even when it isn’t personally rewarding.
Sometimes hospitality it will be downright hard (and sometimes it
will be a lot of fun).
Some people are easier than others to love. Love them, all.
Inviting people into our homes is one form of hospitality and one way to love our neighbors, but it’s not the only way.
Hospitality is more of an attitude of the heart than anything else.
Hospitality is more of an attitude of the heart than anything else. Click To Tweet
I’ve heard it said that hospitality is when someone feels at home in your presence. You don’t have to be at home to make someone feel that way.
It takes practice and an intentional effort to anticipate the needs of others. I’m still working on it. There have been many times when I’ve spent time with someone, left, and only later did a thought on how I could have helped come to mind! If that happens to you, too, be gentle with yourself.
We’re not perfect. It’s the heart that counts.
I find that when an idea comes to mind, on how I can help someone, it’s best to write it down before I forget.
Hospitality is God’s love acting itself out in tangible ways.
Hospitality is God’s love acting itself out in tangible ways. Click To Tweet
Here’s one of my favorite verses on the topic,
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,”
– Matthew 25:35
1. Invite people over for dinner.
2. Organize group fitness activities (running, biking, etc.).
3. Take your neighbors some cookies or flowers.
4. Leave an encouraging note.
5. Take their garbage can out (or in) from the curb.
6. Organize a neighborhood block party.
7. If you have young kids, organize a playdate with another mom.
8. Offer help with something they need (yardwork, childcare, etc.)
9. Invite your neighbors over for a game night or tea party.
10. Be friendly! Ask about their life, smile, etc.
Do have some other great ideas?
Please, let us know in the comments!
IS IT REALLY OUR CALLING TO BE SUCH JUDGMENTAL PEOPLE?
WHAT CAN YOU DO WHEN GOD FEELS REALLY DISTANT?
10 PROVEN WAYS TO GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS
HAVE YOU OBEYED GOD ONLY TO BE REWARDED WITH PAIN?
HOW TO SURVIVE (AND THRIVE) AFTER YOUR HEART IS BROKEN
And, HOW TO HANG ON DURING THE MOST DIFFICULT SEASONS OF LIFE
HOW TO ENCOURAGE YOUR DAUGHTER TO CONFIDE IN YOU
7 OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL BLOGGERS YOU OUGHT TO BE READING
Dawn is a freelance writer and Christian blogger who loves encouraging women to keep 
their focus on Jesus. She’s the author of Look to Jesus: How to Let Go of Worry and Trust God.
She’s a wife and mom to two teens. A Seattle girl, she loves books and coffee.
You can find her at www.dawnklinge.com.
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© Melanie Redd and Ministry of Hope, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner are strictly prohibited. Further, excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Melanie Redd and Ministry of Hope with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
