You Are My Neighbor

Proverbs 27:10

Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family,

and do not go to your relative's house when disaster strikes you-

better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.

There are a few people that comes to mind when I go through worry and difficult moments. But they are not always available. I am not undermining the option of turning to God, but God's purpose of community is one that He uses to have His love be emulated.

When Proverbs state that better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away, the writer simply puts it such that sometimes God challenges us to find community in places that we often do not seek from. As relatives and family are the common relation of refuge during hard times in the biblical context, the writer urges to look a little closer to the things that are closer and more unconventional and He does makes things like these happen just so He can be glorified through all circumstances.

That being said, I am grateful for my neighbor that has been there for me through my down time, time when my relatives are just too far to reach at the moment. 

Even as the context of Proverbs simply goes in one interpretation, I cannot help to see it manifesting in many ways. I may not condone the personal interpretation of God's word that way but I do however do find it to be a reminder of God's grace that comes from ways that we never come to expect; just as His peace does not come from how society may expect peace to come. 

So to my neighbor that has extended your help in my moment of distress, I pray for God's abundant favor to be upon you. Thank you.