Biblical Answer

To be a good neighbor in a world of division, we must first understand what it means to be a neighbor. According to Jesus, a neighbor is not just someone who lives nearby, but anyone we interact with in the course of a day (Luke 10:27). This includes those we may not necessarily consider friends or enemies, but with whom we share a common humanity. As the Bible teaches, we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, treating them with kindness, compassion, and justice (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39).

Being a good neighbor requires us to look beyond our differences and divisions. In a world where we are often pitted against each other, we must choose to prioritize the well-being of those around us. This means being willing to make restitution and satisfaction for any injuries or wrongs we may have done to others (Matthew 5:23-24). It means being humble and willing to divest ourselves of our own interests and biases, so that we can serve the needs of those around us (Philippians 2:3-4). As the Bible teaches, we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, and this means being willing to put their needs before our own.

In a world of division, being a good neighbor requires us to be agents of reconciliation. This means being willing to forgive those who have wronged us, and to seek forgiveness from those we have wronged (Matthew 6:14-15). It means being willing to listen to and understand the perspectives of those with whom we disagree, and to seek common ground and solutions that benefit all parties. As the Bible teaches, we are to be kind to one another, compassionate, and just, and to seek to live in harmony with those around us (Ephesians 4:32, Romans 12:10). By choosing to be good neighbors in a world of division, we can help to build bridges of understanding and love, and to create a more just and compassionate society for all. Divine love is the key to uniting people and healing divisions, and as Christians, we are called to embody this love in our relationships with those around us. As Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:31) This is not just a command, but a way of life that requires us to put the needs of others before our own, to forgive, to serve, and to love without condition. By living out this command, we can be a source of hope and healing in a world that often seems divided and fragmented. We can be a reminder that we are all part of a larger human family, connected by our shared humanity and our shared need for love and compassion. As we strive to be good neighbors in a world of division, let us remember the words of the Bible, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) May we embody this kind of love in our relationships with others, and may we be a source of healing and unity in a world that desperately needs it. Amen.