Neighbors?

Jesus told us who are neighbors are. They are the ones next door, the ones in the next town, the ones in the next state, and the ones of other nations and countries. Jesus told us to love our neighbor as ourselves and to love those we consider enemies. Jesus told us to treat others better than ourselves. How do we then reconcile behavior that does not reflect what we are called to do? We are told “Beware lest you entertain angels.” Do we think of how we behave towards others as how we behave towards God? We are told to do all things as if doing them for God. Are we listening? In helping others we are helping ourselves.

Proverbs 18:24 A man who has a friend must himself be friendly.

Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, for you do not know what evil will be on the earth.

Matthew 7:12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the prophets.

Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

Hebrews 13:16 Do not forget to do good and to share for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

1 Corinthians 11:31-33 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, to either the Jews or the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

What fruit are we bearing? What will we reap that we have sown? As individuals, a community, or as a nation?