Last year I had the opportunity to interview numerous people living in intentional communities across Ontario. The following are words of experience and wisdom from people who strive to love their neighbours. For those of you who are unsure of of how to start serving and getting to know your neighbours, I think you’ll find this helpful. May it encouragement to all of us to love our neighbours too
Getting to Meet/Know/Serve Our Neighbours
- The first step is always prayer
- Be visible and present in the neighbourhood
- Knock on doors, invite people over
- Have community meals and celebrations
- Look for practical needs you can fill
- Participate in community gardens. You’ll meet all sorts of people ready to chat
- Be ready to enter into another culture, even if it is uncomfortable
- Be friends with your neighbours, spend time with them
-Meet them where they are at – love them, encourage them, speak truth
- Let go of comfort zones – embrace the natural community
- One person said this: “They have permission to change me
- Be hospitable. It goes a long way with neighbours
- Simply say hello when you see them, it goes a long way
- One community has created a culture of potluck – that way everyone can contribute, and feel comfortable
- Eat their food – embrace the idea the breaking bread together
- Share time with your neighbours
- Be who you say you are – honesty is attractive
- Keep your word, always
- Offer to pray with them in times of need
- Offer to help kids with homework. Some parents aren't very good at English, especially if they are immigrants. Helping their kids with homework can be a struggle
- Take people with if you drive to the grocery store. Many families don't have cars
Check in next week for the rest of the list!
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