Scripture Passage: 1 Peter 3:14-16

Peter explains in these verses what should make us different neighbors from those who might not know the love of Christ. He challenged his readers with two marks of a Christian neighbor:

1. Extraordinary Hope
As believers, we must be ready to give an answer for the hope in us. Hope in the Scriptural sense is an anticipation of something better because of what has been promised. Christians should be known in their neighborhood for having and demonstrating extraordinary hope.

2. Undeniable Grace
We’re not saved by our good works, but when we’re saved, it does change our behavior. Our neighbors should see some fruit in our lives. When you’re a good neighbor, even others who disagree with you and your beliefs will come to your defense when you demonstrate the love of Christ to others around you.

Discussion

• When your neighbors look at you, do they see extraordinary hope? Do they see undeniable grace? How can you demonstrate these two characteristics this week? 

• Do you have an expectation for the future because of Jesus Christ? 

• What steps have you taken to “Love where you live?” What are some steps of obedience you might take this week as you love your neighbors well? 

Prayer

Pray for your neighbors to have hope during this season.

Pray for God to use you to show your neighbors what hope and grace looks like in your life.

Use the prayer guide for our neighbors provided at our Empowered Homes site to pray for your neighbors this week.

Scripture Passage: Matthew 22:34-40 

In Matthew 22:34-40, we are commanded to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, with all of our soul, and with all of our mind. We are also commanded to love our neighbor as ourselves.

The restrictions of the Coronavirus shelter-in-place directive have limited our travel to almost every mission field on earth except the one we overlook most: the place where we live.

Notice two primary principles in Jesus’ command: The Proximity Principle and the Kindness Principle. God has placed us next to specific people with a specific purpose in mind — to love them in a way that reflects our Father in Heaven!

God is calling us to invest in our neighbors, sacrifice for our neighbors when necessary, and ultimately, to show the kindness of God to our neighbors. We are presented with a precious opportunity, during these unprecedented times, to love people where we are at.

Discussion 

• What will it look like for you to spend intentional time with your Heavenly Father this week?  

• Are there barriers that are hindering you from reaching out to your neighbors? If so, what are they? 

• How can you love and cherish your neighbors well during these unprecedented times? 

• In what specific ways can you intercede in prayer on behalf of your neighbors? 

Prayer 

• Pray for your heart and ask God to align your heart with His.

• Pray for your home and ask the Lord to bind your hearts together and also to use you together for the advancement of His Kingdom.

• Pray for your neighbors. Ask God to Incline your heart to love and cherish your neighbors well. Be sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit in reaching out to and loving your neighbors.