Being Neighborly To Fellow Christians

Said the apostle Paul: "Really, then, as long as we hav time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith." (Galatians 6:10) Much happiness results when you expend yourself in behalf of fellow Christians. - Acts 20:35

Sixteen year-old Chris, for example, is one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He enjoys running errands for an elderly member of the local congregation. On one occasion she phoned him for help. The elevator in her apartment building was out of order, and because she was unable to climb five flights of stairs, she was stranded. Upon arriving, Chris said: "Get on my back, and I will haul you up if it's okay with you." Up they went to the fifth floor! Tiring? No doubt, but Chris was rewarded not only with the gratitude of his elderly friend but with the knowledge that his actions pleased God!

You need not wait for such dramatic situations to show your concern for others, however. For example, before and after Christian meetings, some youths tend to congregate together, excluding older ones. This runs contrary to the Bible's counsel to "show consideration" for older ones. (Leviticus 19:32) Sometimes, a friendly hello or a brief conversation is all it takes to cheer up and elderly one. 'But it's hard for me to talk to old people,' you might object. 'We have little in common.'

Doug, who now serves as an elder in the Christian congregation, fondly recalls: "At age 19 my best friends were old enough to be by parents or grandparents. How greatly they contributed to my spiritual growth!" Why not put yourself out a bit and make a point of befriending some elderly ones, perhaps at your next Christian meeting? You will usually find that you have far more in common than you realized! And like Doug, you will find that you can learn from their valuable experience in life.

Next time: Helping "Those On The Outside"