Welcome to summer and The Summer Sizzle Series!

Teaming up with some of my very favorite blogging friends, we are offering a series that we are calling, “The Summer Sizzle Series.”

Each week, I’ll be sharing the best articles from several amazing women that I personally know, pray for, do ministry with, and dearly love.

I believe you are going to be blessed!

Today, you get to hear from one of my good friends in the blogging world. She and I teamed up last year for the Delight in Doctrine series.

Her words are always practical and poignant. I’m truly inspired to reach out to my neighbors after reading this post.

I believe you will be as well!

Today, let’s explore different ways to connect with other people and welcome them into our homes and lives.

These types of efforts are often rewarded by stronger community bonds and
new friendships.

Those are wonderful blessings: good for your heart, mind, and soul.

But as Christians, there’s another, more important reason behind our desire to love our neighbors.

Jesus asked us to.

It’s that simple.

A heart of hospitality honors God through obedience.

10 proven ways to get to know your neighbors

Here’s the other thing. Loving our neighbor is something that needs to happen even when it isn’t personally rewarding.

Sometimes hospitality it will be downright hard (and sometimes it
will be a lot of fun).

Some people are easier than others to love. Love them, all.

Inviting people into our homes is one form of hospitality and one way to love our neighbors, but it’s not the only way.

Hospitality is more of an attitude of the heart than anything else.

I’ve heard it said that hospitality is when someone feels at home in your presence. You don’t have to be at home to make someone feel that way.

How can we make people feel at home when they’re around us?

It takes practice and an intentional effort to anticipate the needs of others. I’m still working on it. There have been many times when I’ve spent time with someone, left, and only later did a thought on how I could have helped come to mind! If that happens to you, too, be gentle with yourself.

We’re not perfect. It’s the heart that counts.

I find that when an idea comes to mind, on how I can help someone, it’s best to write it down before I forget.

Hospitality is God’s love acting itself out in tangible ways.

Let’s be on the lookout for ways to be of service to our neighbors.

Here’s one of my favorite verses on the topic,

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,”

– Matthew 25:35

Below I’ve listed some practical ways we can love our neighbors. I hope the list inspires you and prompts even more ideas.

Here are 10 proven ways to get to know your neighbors:

1. Invite people over for dinner.

2. Organize group fitness activities (running, biking, etc.).

3. Take your neighbors some cookies or flowers.

4. Leave an encouraging note.

5. Take their garbage can out (or in) from the curb.

6. Organize a neighborhood block party.

7. If you have young kids, organize a playdate with another mom.

8. Offer help with something they need (yardwork, childcare, etc.)

9. Invite your neighbors over for a game night or tea party.

10. Be friendly! Ask about their life, smile, etc.

Do have some other great ideas?

Please, let us know in the comments!

Want more encouragement on becoming a better neighbor?

Could you use some more Summer Sizzle?

IS IT REALLY OUR CALLING TO BE SUCH JUDGMENTAL PEOPLE?

WHAT CAN YOU DO WHEN GOD FEELS REALLY DISTANT?

10 PROVEN WAYS TO GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS

HAVE YOU OBEYED GOD ONLY TO BE REWARDED WITH PAIN?

HOW TO SURVIVE (AND THRIVE) AFTER YOUR HEART IS BROKEN

And, HOW TO HANG ON DURING THE MOST DIFFICULT SEASONS OF LIFE

HOW TO ENCOURAGE YOUR DAUGHTER TO CONFIDE IN YOU

7 OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL BLOGGERS YOU OUGHT TO BE READING

About the Author:

Dawn is a freelance writer and Christian blogger who loves encouraging women to keep their focus on Jesus. She’s the author of Look to Jesus: How to Let Go of Worry and Trust God.

She’s a wife and mom to two teens. A Seattle girl, she loves books and coffee.

You can find her at www.dawnklinge.com.

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