![]() ![]() I’d write a little note to invite neighbors to dinner, include my contact info, and then attach a small gift card as an innocent bribe. Providentially, God gave me an opportunity to turn over a new leaf when I relocated to Boston. ![]() Our autonomy is viewed as sacred, but nothing reminds us of our finiteness like someone banging on our castle wall, telling us to shut up.Īs Dustin Willis and Brandon Clements write, “Many Christians have bought into the cultural view that our homes are our personal and private fortresses.” Our autonomy is viewed as sacred, but nothing reminds us of our finiteness like someone banging on our castle wall, telling us to shut up. People who want to be kings and queens don’t like friction. Because we live so close to our neighbors, there’s greater potential for friction. So, naturally, we gravitate toward people who can help us build that kingdom, people who make us feel good about ourselves. Not surprisingly, everyone else has the same idea. I want to build my own little kingdom in my apartment. Jesus knew I wouldn’t always like my neighbors, yet he called me to love them anyway, just as he loved me. Some leave their shoes out in the hallway. The reality is that neighbors are difficult. These factors resonated with me and my situation.īut I knew the problem was deeper-it was with my heart. He showed how structural changes like the rise of technology, altering work patterns, and shifting roles have contributed to the decline of community. In his book Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam exposed the pandemic of loneliness sweeping across America. About a quarter of adults under 30 don’t know one. Where would I find the motivation to love my neighbor as God commands? Surprisingly, it came through recognizing my great need.Īccording to Pew Research, only 26 percent of Americans know most of their neighbors. Too unfamiliar to love my neighbors, but too ashamed to become familiar. Meanwhile, the inner dialogue starts: Haven’t I seen him before? What’s his name? It’s too late to ask, Dan. I’d make eye contact with someone in the elevator and ask, “What floor?” but immediately put my headphones in to avoid a conversation. To my shame, I went out of my way to avoid my neighbors. I’m a nice person, but Philly is a notoriously unfriendly place.
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