Wednesday 20 May
Villy shares what it looks like for her to be a loving neighbour.
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Loving your neighbour means serving them. We serve our community through teaching English and providing a free hair and beauty salon. The beauty ministry opens wonderful opportunity for conversation and bonding with the local women. It’s a time of listening to their life journey and looking out for natural openings to share my faith.
Recently one woman shared how her son was depressed and had attempted to take his life. Tearfully she expressed her lost hope. In that space, I was able to share the hope that we have in Jesus.
Loving your neighbour means investing in the community. Being active in our community often involves attending community events. This is a way of expressing our interest and care for our community and we support local business where we can. Over seven years in this location we have come to know our local taxi driver. We have developed a friendship with him and he has bonded very well with some of the local believers and even comes to worship with us to catch up with them.
Loving your neighbour means having no expectations. At some point you will be hurt for
being kind. There have been times when I felt betrayed, taken advantage of, not cared for but in these times… God reminds me from Colossians 3.23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord rather than for people.” This verse really helps me to love when loving my neighbour seems hard.
As I reflect on these experiences, I realise that God uses us here to extend His hospitality among our neighbours, that our ministry allows me to give my time, an empathic ear, prayers and words of encouragement. Loving our neighbour invites people to meet Jesus through His love in us."
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