A few summers ago a large aspen tree fell during a storm, crashing across a wooden fence and into our neighbor’s yard. I learned about the incident while on a trip to South Africa. Fortunately, two of my neighbors (one who owned a chainsaw), along with my son, cut up the tree and hauled it off. I benefited from a generous pair of neighbors (and a hard-working son).

Love does no harm to a neighbor (Romans 13:10).

Paul references both the words of Jesus and the book of Leviticus. I understand his thought in two ways. As a loving person, I simply avoid harming my neighbor. Or, in a slightly different take, I can’t go wrong by loving my neighbor. I create good will and better relationships.

After the tree affair, I flew home with fresh appreciation and good will toward my neighbors.

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25).

Thinking of neighbors, my acts that bring refreshment to them will return to me in refreshing ways. I prosper by cultivating generosity in my neighborhood.

Living among others—my neighbors—creates the laboratory where my faith either proves itself worthy, or deflates into hypocrisy.

My neighbors see my flaws from right across the lawn, and for the most part extend me grace. I hope I show them the same generosity. And when their tree comes down in a storm, I’ll get my gloves and go to work.

Week twenty-three of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Terra Strickland