Why Loving Your Neighbor Starts With Loving Your Literal Neighbor
Rediscovering the Gospel on Your Street Corner
Welcome friend,
I’m Mark, and this space is for the wanderers, the worn out, and the ones still wrestling with God at 2 a.m. I don’t have all the answers, but I know the One who does—and I’m learning to trust Him more.
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“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” — Mark 12:31
“Love Your Neighbor” Isn’t Just Metaphor
We Christians love the idea of “loving your neighbor,” don’t we? We post about it. We preach it. We wear it on our shirts. But sometimes, we get so caught up loving “neighbors” overseas or strangers in hypothetical situations that we forget: our literal neighbor—the one in the house next door—is a real human soul within reach.
It’s easier to write a check to a mission trip than to knock on Miss Edna’s door and ask how she’s doing after her surgery. It’s simpler to repost a quote about kindness than to take cookies to the cranky old man who cusses every time your dog runs near his fence. But the gospel isn’t just global. It’s local.
Why We Avoid the Ones Closest to Us
Here’s the truth: loving literal neighbors is hard because they see our lawn when it’s a mess. They hear when we argue through thin apartment walls. They watch how we park like jerks when we're in a rush. Loving them requires vulnerability. Proximity strips away polish.
Also, if we're honest, we avoid them because it costs something. Time. Effort. Awkward conversations. And worst of all—rejection. Loving your literal neighbor can feel like planting seeds in a sidewalk crack. But God can grow wildflowers from concrete.
Sometimes, loving your neighbor means stepping over the broken fence of awkwardness to build a bridge of grace.
Jesus Moved Into the Neighborhood
John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” Jesus didn’t save us from a distance. He moved in. He shared meals. He talked to folks in the streets. He healed the guy down the road.
If Jesus cared about the people on His block, shouldn’t we?
We’re called to be salt and light where we are. Not just in the abstract world of online ministry or church events—but on our street, in our apartment complex, across the fence line.
God didn’t randomly toss us into the world like dice across a table. He placed us like puzzle pieces—meant to fit right where we are, alongside others He’s also carefully positioned. Your address isn’t an accident; it’s an assignment.
What Loving Your Literal Neighbor Can Look Like
Mow a yard that’s overgrown. No strings, no sermon. Just service.
Invite them to dinner. Chicken spaghetti and awkward silence go a long way.
Pray for them—by name. And tell them you are. Even better? Pray with them.
Be the first to apologize. Even if you didn’t start the fence feud.
Share your story. Not just your theology, but your testimony—where Jesus met you.
These small acts stack up like bricks. And before you know it, God builds a bridge.
It Starts With a “Hello”
Your mission field might not require a passport. It might just require walking across the yard.
That neighbor who annoys you? They may be the very person God has entrusted to your care.
That quiet couple? They may be in a spiritual crisis no one knows about.
That single mom? She might just need a babysitter to get to church.
You don’t have to preach a sermon. Just knock. Smile. Offer to help. Be Jesus in sneakers.
Reflective Questions
Who is one literal neighbor you can show love to this week?
What excuses have kept you from reaching out before?
How might God use your ordinary kindness to open a spiritual door?
Conclusion
Before we talk about loving the world, let’s start by loving our neighborhood. Because maybe, just maybe, the greatest revival starts not in the sanctuary—but in the driveway.
Call to Repentance
If you’ve been trying to earn your way into heaven, it’s time to stop striving and start surrendering. Today can be the day everything changes. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Don’t wait for a better moment. Turn from your sin, believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and receive the gift of eternal life. He is calling—respond to Him today.
Call to Action
If this message spoke to your heart, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with someone you love—and make sure to subscribe so you never miss more biblical truth, encouragement, and hope. Let’s walk this journey of faith together.
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"Your address isn’t an accident; it’s an assignment." Yes! It took me a while to come to terms with this after the house next door to me became an Airbnb. I now look at it as Kingdom Opportunity & wrote an article about it. My husband and I welcome these people to their vacations, ask if they'd like to attend church with us, bring treats over & tell them if they need anything, we're here. But really, my husband excels at this all throughout the neighborhood. You need a servant's heart to love your actual neighbor.
A great (and convicting) message!