These two things go together
if you are in perfect fellowship with your neighbor
you are at peace with him
but does this make you a good neighbor?
We all know the story of the Good Samaritan
but do we understand that this man was a stranger
this man saw a man in need
saw a wounded soul
and cared for a stranger
He treated the wounded man as one of his own
It's easy to care for someone you love
it's hard to love someone you don't know
it's even harder to love someone you don't trust
The world would have you believe
that a good neighbor is one who is nice and friendly
Jesus would tell you a good neighbor
is one who love's those who spitefully use you
Why
because a good neighbor's love
can hear the cries for love
in even the darkest hearts
Want to be a good neighbor
want to have fellowship and peace
love thy neighbor as thyself
and love your enemy, he is your neighbor also
this is true hospitality
{12:10} Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; {12:11} Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; {12:12} Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; {12:13} Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. {12:14} Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. {12:15} Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. {12:16} Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. {12:17} Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. {12:18} If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 12:10-18
Hospitality leads to fellowship
fellowship leads to peace
love drives them all
NEVER be afraid to love someone
that you do not trust
for in doing so
you build the bridge of peace that they may cross over
and in all things apply the wisdom of God
for that is the greatest fellowship of all
and He will keep you in perfect peace
![[pulsating cross]](astar2.gif)
