{Scripture Challenge 2} Challenge Word #6, Neighbor

Challenge Word #6: Neighbor

Are you new to your neighborhood or do you know someone new that has moved in? Are you a neighbor that acts neighborly? Do you even know your neighbors? Are you asking yourself as Jesus was asked in Luke 10:29 “. . . so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” Just who is your neighbor?

I love how dictionary.com defines “neighbor.” It says “a person who lives near another; a person who shows kindliness or helpfulness toward his or her fellow humans.” Do you just think of your neighbor as someone who lives near you? We also should be looking at those around us everywhere as our “neighbors.”

I really began to think about “neighbors” as my husband was away in Asia recently. Our dog got into the neighbor’s yard at 6:45 a.m. I didn’t even know them. They back up to our house so they really are on a street behind us. Well, the husband ended up driving over to our house that early morning. We ended up speaking for 30 minutes and getting to know each other’s families. It was a true and amazing blessing! I was filled with such joy that day. Had our dog not gotten into their yard, I still would not know them. God can use anything and turn it to His good. There was a blessing behind us I didn’t even know. I am now excited to see where God will take our families as we get to know each other.

What blessings are waiting in your neighborhood? Could it be that God is calling you to reach out to a neighbor (near or far) to bless them--even if you don't know them? Maybe you know of a neighbor that is struggling in some way. You could invite them to your church or to a Bible study. You could even anonymously provide a bag of groceries or a gift card, or you could mail a card with uplifting scripture. Watch for opportunities to help your neighbors either in your neighborhood or those you pass in your day-to-day outings. Pray about it. God will open your eyes and bring you those opportunities.

For my page this week, I used the amazing Webster’s Pages papers along with the new release from Layers of Color called “Vintage Rose.” I loved the awning on the paper and thought of it as my window looking out to my neighbors. For the roses, I stamped them onto watercolor paper and used my Derwent watercolor pencils to color them in. Papers: Bazzill, Webster's Pages Petite Pages Postcards from Paris & Sweet as Cherry Pie, Aquarelle watercolor paper
Stamps: Layers of Color Vintage Rose
Stamp Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink vintage photo, VersaFine sepia, Ranger clear EP
Embellishments: Quickutz blossom, Distress Stickles frayed burlap, Distress Stickles scattered straw, Stickles diamond, sewing machine, Derwent watercolor pencils

The three scriptures I used were:

Leviticus 19:18 “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”

Mark 12:31 “The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

Romans 15:2 “Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”

I pray that with God you will open your eyes, hearts, and minds to all of the neighbors around you and those you pass. How might God use you to reach out to them this week?

Remember to use Keyword SCRC210 when posting in galleries. Also, feel free to leave a link here for others to see using Mister Linky. Also, if any of you are looking for a 6x6 wooden stand for this challenge or any other challenge, Cherie (one of our participants), has them for sale for $5 here. Enjoy your time of study, and remember to see all of our previous lessons, visit this post here. Blessings to each of you, and see you with a new study again on March 28th. In Him,