Attributes of Being a Good Neighbor

by Bud Lambert

If there is one thing that people outside of Christ should think of when they think of the Church of Christ, it is that we are good neighbors. Being a good neighbor is our badge of discipleship, showing the world we are disciples of Christ ( John 13:35); it is our spiritual birth certificate, proving we are God�s children ( 1 John 4:7-21); and, along with loving God, it sums up all that God expects of us as His children ( Matthew 22:34-40).

In Jesus� parable about the Samaritan good neighbor ( Luke 10:25-37) Jesus reveals three essentials attributes we must have to be the good neighbors God expects us to be.

One attribute is looking for the needs of others. The Samaritan was a good neighbor because he saw the traveler�s need (verse 33). Instead of always concentrating on self and needs and wants of self, good neighbors are also concerned about the needs and wants of others (cf. Hebrews 10:24; Romans 15:13; Philippians 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 13:5).

A second attribute is helping take care of the needs of others the best we can. Just becoming aware of the needs of people around us, even though it is essential, does not make us good neighbors. The priest and Levite saw the traveler�s need, but they were not considered good neighbors. The Samaritan, on the other hand, was a good neighbor because he not only saw the traveler�s need, but he also did what he could to take care of his need (verse 34).

A third attribute is helping take care of the needs of others even though it is an inconvenience. The Samaritan helped meet the traveler�s need even though it put him out of his way and cost him something (verse 35). If we help people only when it is convenient or doesn�t cost us anything, we are not being the loving neighbors God wants us to be.

Let�s be good neighbors! Three essential attributes of good neighbors are 1. become aware of the needs of people around us; 2. help take care of their needs the best we can; 3. help take care of their needs even though it may be an inconvenience.