LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS

Too often we hear things like "love your neighbor" and they are so non-specific that we are unable to put actions to the idea. According to Jesus, our neighbors are anyone we encounter in life. It doesn't matter if they are exactly like us or come from a completely different background, they are our neighbors.


How can we love someone if we do not take the time to acknowledge them? Most of us do not even know the people who live right next door to us. If we are going to love our neighbors, our literal neighbors, we need to find creative ways to engage with the neighborhoods where we live.

  • 20 ways you can love your neighbors
    1. Get to know your neighbors, learn each of their names, their interests, etc.
    2. Walk your block or take your dog for a walk at the same time each day, and talk with and pray for your neighbors
    3. Make your front porch an inviting space and spend time there
    4. Offer assistance to a neighbor in need of help with yard work; mow their yard, water and weed their garden, or rake their leaves
    5. Check in on older neighbors
    6. Return garbage cans from the street
    7. Pick up trash and pet waste around your neighborhood
    8. Bring your neighbors a home cooked meal or make them some cookies
    9. Have a community BBQ or throw a block party
    10. Start a neighborhood library or book exchange
    11. Plant a community garden
    12. Support local business
    13. Babysit for free
    14. Find a local bike trail and give away bottles of water
    15. Host a kids' play-date
    16. Pick up groceries for a neighbor
    17. Plan a beach or lake trip with your neighbors
    18. Watch your neighbors home, water their plants, and take care of their pets when they are out of town
    19. Organize a food or coat drive and get your neighbors involved
    20. Reach out and help in times of crisis



    Pick one or two of these ideas to start. This is not a exhaustive list of ways to serve and love your community, so get creative! We want to hear your stories as you love your neighbors with these acts of kindness and generosity, so let us know how it goes. Email us at info@chccsa.com or tag us in your social media posts.