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Reaching Beyond Ourselves (RBO)


What are you doing to reach out beyond yourself? What does being a good neighbor look like? How can you put into practice regardless of racial tensions?

In Luke 10:30-37 we read about how we can reach beyond ourselves. 

Luk 10:30  Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead.

Luk 10:31  Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side.

Luk 10:32  So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

Luk 10:33  But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.

Luk 10:34  He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.

Luk 10:35  And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’

Luk 10:36  Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?”

Luk 10:37  He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

 

In this parable Jesus teaches three principles of being a good loving neighbor.

 

  • Lack of love is often easy to justify, even though it is never right
  • Our neighbor is anyone of any race, creed, or social background who is in need
  • Love means acting to meet the person's need

 

There is no reason why we should refuse to help and be a good neighbor to those who live close to us. Here are some ways that you can step out and be a good neighbor to your neighborhood, city, schools, local non-profit agencies near you.

 

  1. Trash Pickup

 

Talk with the local city officials and find out locations that could use some sprucing up. 

 

  1. Lunch Buddy

 

Talk with the principles of the schools and see about partnering for lunch buddy program where volunteers can come and have lunch with students who sit by themselves.

 

  1. Baby Supplies

 

Partner with the hospital and local pregnancy crisis organization to help new mothers with baby supplies. 

 

  1. Financial Coaching

 

Start a group that can help youth, singles, and adults learn how to take their next step toward financial freedom. This could be helping with budgets, money markets, debt reduction and more. 

 

  1. Grief Support

 

Start a group that walks with individuals through the grief process and being someone who they can call on during their darkest times.

 

  1. First Responders and health care workers

 

You can be a blessing to your first responders by taking them snacks, bottled water, and even Gatorade. This is just a small way to let them know the church cares. This is also a small way to say thank you to those who put their life on the line every day. 

 

  1. Exercise Class

 

If your church has the space, you may think about opening up and inviting a fitness instructor to come and lead an exercise class. This can be an open door to build relationship with the community.

 

  1. Parenting Class

 

There are people in your church who are further along in the parenting journey. Give parents of all ages a place to come and talk. This can be done anywhere but will build a community of parents who can lean in on each other and help when they need it the most. 

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