Now that we’ve served our family, let’s cast our net a little wider and think about how we can better serve our neighbor.

 The Bible is very specific: “'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:31)

 If we’re honest, this can be a challenging verse. We want to pick and choose who we love. We’re always looking for loopholes to this verse. “Yes, love your neighbor, but God hasn’t seen MY neighbor – he’s all kinds of crazy!” But, that’s what’s crazy about it. God made your neighbor, knows your neighbor, and STILL loves him. Just like He knows you and still loves you.

 That’s why we are challenging you to love your neighbor better – no loopholes, no “buts,” and no excuses. This may take some of you to an uncomfortable place, but if we are really doing what God has asked of us, we will toss out our need for comfort and reach out our hand to others who may be a little different from us. If you think about it, that’s what Jesus did.

 Here are some ideas for ways to serve your neighbor this week:

• Introduce yourself to your neighbor by dropping off a small homemade gift.
• If you’re mowing your grass, ask if you could mow your neighbor’s grass as well.
• Pray for your neighbor.
• Invite your neighbor’s kids to play in your yard if you have a swing set or pool they might like to use.
• Call a neighbor and check in on them.
• Text a neighbor and ask if you can pick up anything for them from the store.
• Drop off breakfast if you know your neighbor is home.
• Invite a neighbor over for a cookout.
• If you’re feeling really ambitious, host a block party.
• Ask a neighbor if they would like to go on a walk with you.
• Write a card of appreciation to your neighbor or send them a compliment about their yard, flowers, décor, etc.

Source credit: “How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird” by Amy Lively (You’re welcome).

Have some fun and build stronger relationships with those who live immediately around you.

Share how this impacted your week by posting to social media and using the hashtag #Ridge5Challenge.