• Blog
    • All Posts
    • Write for Salt + Sparrow
    • Contributors
  • Spiritual Growth
    • Personal Testimonies
    • Spiritual Growth Scriptures
  • Devotionals
    • Bible Studies
    • Prayers
  • Christian Lifestyle
    • Christian Poetry
    • Christian Marriage
    • Motherhood
    • Purpose
  • Christian Resources
    • Christian Blogging Tips

Salt + Sparrow

5 Easy Ways to Love Your Neighbor
Christian Lifestyle

5 Easy Ways to Love Your Neighbor

December 27, 2021

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:30-31 NIV

You know what’s difficult to do sometimes?

Love those who treat us poorly.

You know what’s super easy to do?

Get angry, hold a grudge, gossip, and then block and stalk from social media.

But God expects more from us than petty grievances. Even if those grievances feel justified because we have been wronged.

God doesn’t expect us to only love those who love us back. He doesn’t expect us to be kind to only those who are in our same social circles, or who do kind acts toward us first. Galatians 3:27-29 tells us “…For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” And James warns us in Chapter 2 that showing discrimination is considered a sin – that any and every one should feel welcome and cared for among Christians.

Why?

Because God expects more from us. Because we are His people; we are a living representation of His grace, His forgiveness, and His salvation. And we need to spend our days showing that to everyone we come into contact with, no matter who they are.

To those we love. To those who have treated us unfairly. To those in need. To those we don’t know or don’t know very well. To those who live next door to us and those who live on the other side of the tracks. To everyone.

I don’t just consider my neighbor to be the person I share a sidewalk with. My neighbor is the person running next to me on the treadmill at the gym. It’s the car that cuts me off in traffic, the mom in front of me in the pickup lane, the child waiting for the bus at the corner of my street. It’s the person in the same aisle as me at the grocery store, and it’s the homeless man on the corner holding his sign.

When I read this verse, I interpret my neighbor as my fellow human.

“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

matthew 25:40

5 Easy Ways How to Love Your Neighbor

5 easy ways to love your neighbor

Show Kindness

Remember when showing random acts of kindness was a trend a few years ago? You know.. the person in front of you in line at Starbucks would surprise you by paying for your coffee, so then you’d pay it forward by doing the same for someone else in a similar way that day? (For the record, nobody in front of me in any line has ever paid for anything for me.. so I’m a little bummed about this one).

Easy ways to love thy neighbor is to extend kindness. This can be as simple as paying it forward and paying for someone’s coffee, but it also can involve non-monetary acts of kindness. Bringing in baked goods when it’s someone’s birthday at your office, writing a letter of thanks to your teacher, holding the door open for someone, giving food to the homeless man on the corner.. those are all small acts of kindness that take very little effort but have the opportunity to create a big impact in someone else’s day.

Pray For Them

Prayer is something else that is free. I can’t remember when I started this habit, I think it extends back to the time I was a kid, but every time I hear sirens or see lights flashing I say a quick prayer that God will bless and be with whoever needs His help at that point in time.

I made the comment to Cooper once that I do that, and now it’s something that he does as well. Stopping to say a prayer for those in need, and even those who we don’t know may be in need – is a big way we can show our neighbors love.

Saying a prayer for blessings and health for our actual neighbors, and praying for those who wrong us.

Lend a Helping Hand

“Let me know if you need anything!” Is a pretty common catchphrase when someone is going through a hard time. We all do it, and I think most of us mean well. If someone did respond back with something they needed I know that I would try and do what I could help to help fulfill that need.

But the next time someone is going through a hard time, instead of offering your thoughts and an open-ended “I’m here if you need something!” Genuinely do something instead.

I love this article from The Today Show because it’s such a great example of a friend doing just that: offering up something legitimately helpful and of substance instead of waiting around to be needed.

Be Peaceful

It’s easy to get sucked in the drama, but let’s be real: ain’t nobody got time for that.

Avoid gossip (and certainly don’t spread it), and avoid conflict when you can. When people do wrong by you, use that as an opportunity to let God’s light shine through you by remaining peaceful, and instead of persecuting those who persecute you – pray for them.

Show Fairness

If you remember the James Bible Study we learn to avoid favoritism and discrimination, and instead – show fairness and love to everyone we come into contact with.

“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” 

James 2:8-9

Next time you find yourself singling someone out for the wrong reasons, or labeling someone or someones based on beliefs, disagreements, trivial matters, or even big matters – stop and pray that God help you remain fair. It doesn’t mean that you have to agree with something you feel is wrong – but it means that as Christians, it’s not our job to judge, but to love, and to testify – so that others may see God’s mercy through us and yearn to be closer to Him.

Loving your neighbor is not always easy, but it’s worth it. Look for small ways each and every day where you can make a positive impact. The more you do it (just like with anything – the more you practice the better you become), the easier it will be until it becomes second nature.

0 Comments
Share
Natasha Funderburk

Natasha Funderburk is a wife, #boymom, health coach, and content marketing specialist. Even though she wears a lot of hats, at heart, Natasha is a lover of small business, her family, and cheering on others while they succeed. Fueled by Jesus, coffee, and carbs, Natasha spends most of her time watching her son play baseball, writing her feelings, and searching for snacks.

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

You May Also Like

October 24, 2023

Book Review: It’s Not Supposed To Be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst

January 6, 2023

Three Kings Day: The Celebration of Epiphany

January 27, 2022

St. Mary Magdalene – Who Was She?

Grab your coffee and stay awhile

Welcome to Salt + Sparrow, a place where we learn about Jesus, the Bible, and find big faith in small things.

Whatever is weighing heavy on your heart or mind, Whatever is weighing heavy on your heart or mind, give it to God. 🙏🏻 

Follow @saltnsparrow for more Christian inspiration and encouragement in faith. 

#christianquotes #christianblogger #christianmagazine #faithquotes #faithblogger #encouragement #prayer #howtopray
🙏🏻 @joenasandiego 🙏🏻

@joenasandiego
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind th Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. ❤
Did you know that it’s common to experience a se Did you know that it’s common to experience a sense of confusion in life when it comes to discovering or understanding what your purpose is?

Just ask any mother pushing 40. Chances are, she’s been there, too.

I think the reason our ultimate “purpose” gets cloudy is because all too often, we fall into the trap of focusing more on what the world expects of us, than what Jesus does.

And the world can be quite nosy, drowning out all other voices that are actually trying to steer us toward our pre-destined path.

But figuring out your purpose in life doesn’t have to be a scary, confusing, or stressful thing. Your purpose also doesn’t have to be this bigger-than-the world calling.

Sometimes our purpose is quiet.

There is no purpose too big or too small when it comes from God. 

#findingyourpupose #jeremiah2911 #bibleverse #bibleversedaily #intheword #scripturesforencouragement #biblequotes
Follow on Instagram

Find hope amid anxiety through the spiritual practice of breath prayer in this beautifully illustrated and practical guide to connecting body, mind, and spirit during times of stress.
I'll Start Again Monday: Break the Cycle of Unhealthy Eating Habits with Lasting Spiritual Satisfaction
Currently Praying For

Currently Praying For

Israel

Shop Our Favorites

Bible Study Tools

She Who Is - Christian Apparel

Christian Growth Hub

Elevated Faith

Daily Grace Co.

Cultivate What Matters

Align Fit Lab

Blog + Business Services

Bible Studies

Blog

Recent Posts

  • Rise Up Sweet Child

    Rise Up Sweet Child

    November 30, 2023
  • chicken eggs

    God’s Timing

    November 28, 2023
  • Trading the World's Influence for the Word's

    Trading the World’s Influence for the Word’s

    November 21, 2023
  1. Kathy Boltin on God Uses Every Worthless ThingNovember 29, 2023

    Caity: this really moved me. I'm a 75 year old great grandmother who often feels so unworthy to be used…

  2. Annie Weber on Trading the World’s Influence for the Word’sNovember 23, 2023

    It was an honor to be a guest blogger!

  3. Sandy Brannan on Surviving a Split Rock MomentNovember 11, 2023

    “Such moments are always designed to pry our fingers from the temporary and reveal to us what is eternal.” What…

  4. Lori Ann Wood on Surviving a Split Rock MomentNovember 3, 2023

    Thank you, Susan, for weighing in. I know you understand the emotions involved. Take care!

  5. Martha Halford on Surviving a Split Rock MomentNovember 1, 2023

    Oh my, even knowing your story I’m still amazed and blessed by your written words. What an inspiring article to…

Matthew 28:20 CSB

"...And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

About

Whatever is weighing heavy on your heart or mind, Whatever is weighing heavy on your heart or mind, give it to God. 🙏🏻 

Follow @saltnsparrow for more Christian inspiration and encouragement in faith. 

#christianquotes #christianblogger #christianmagazine #faithquotes #faithblogger #encouragement #prayer #howtopray
🙏🏻 @joenasandiego 🙏🏻

@joenasandiego
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind th Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. ❤
Did you know that it’s common to experience a se Did you know that it’s common to experience a sense of confusion in life when it comes to discovering or understanding what your purpose is?

Just ask any mother pushing 40. Chances are, she’s been there, too.

I think the reason our ultimate “purpose” gets cloudy is because all too often, we fall into the trap of focusing more on what the world expects of us, than what Jesus does.

And the world can be quite nosy, drowning out all other voices that are actually trying to steer us toward our pre-destined path.

But figuring out your purpose in life doesn’t have to be a scary, confusing, or stressful thing. Your purpose also doesn’t have to be this bigger-than-the world calling.

Sometimes our purpose is quiet.

There is no purpose too big or too small when it comes from God. 

#findingyourpupose #jeremiah2911 #bibleverse #bibleversedaily #intheword #scripturesforencouragement #biblequotes
Happy Thanksgiving from S+S to you and your family Happy Thanksgiving from S+S to you and your family! 💛🦃 Hoping your day is filled with many blessings, and let us not forget to take a moment today and praise God for His love and mercy endures forever.
Follow on Instagram

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2023 Salt + Sparrow. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.