Nearby Neighbors 近邻
Dexu Xia
Nearby Neighbors
Better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away. Proverbs 27:10
Our neighborhood, like many others, uses a website to help neighbors connect immediately with those surrounding them. In my community, members warn one another of mountain lion sightings and wildfire evacuation orders, as well as supply one another with child care when the need arises. It has even proven to be a resource for locating runaway pets. By leveraging the power of the internet, those living near one another are connecting again in ways that are often lost in today’s fast-paced world.
Being in relationship with those who live nearby was also important long ago in the days of King Solomon. While family relationships are truly important and can be a source of great support, Solomon indicates that the role of a friend is vital—especially when “disaster strikes” (Proverbs 27:10). Relatives might care deeply for their family members and desire to be of help in such circumstances. But if they’re far away, there’s little they can do in the moments when calamity strikes. Neighbors, however, because they’re close by, are likely to know of the need quickly and can assist more readily.
Because technology has made it easier than ever to remain connected with loved ones across the globe, we may be tempted to overlook those living nearby. Jesus, help us invest in relationships with the people You’ve placed around us!
Who has brought you aid in your times of need? How can you come alongside those living nearest you?
近邻
相近的邻舍，强如远方的弟兄。-箴言27章10节
很多社区都会架设网站，让居民能立即彼此联系，而我们社区也不例外。在我居住的社区里，若有人看见山狮出没，或发生森林大火需要紧急疏散时，邻居就会藉着网站互相警示；若临时需要找人帮忙照顾家中幼儿，大家也会彼此照应；我们甚至还能藉着网站请众人协助寻找走失的宠物。我们这些彼此相邻却曾因生活步调过快而疏离的人，藉着网路的功能，再次连结起来。
古时的所罗门王早已洞悉，和邻居建立关系非常重要。即使家族关系不容轻忽，而且也是我们强而有力的后盾，但所罗门王仍然指出，特别是在“遭难的日子”，朋友是何等宝贵（箴言27章10节）。或许，亲戚会深切关怀家族中的成员，也乐意在困境时伸出援手，但他们若住得太远，当灾难来临时，也是爱莫能助。邻居却不一样，他们就住在附近，可以很快就得知我们的需求，即时提供协助。
科技使我们比以前更容易和世界各地的亲友保持联系，但反倒使我们忽略住在附近的邻居。让我们齐声向主耶稣呼求：求祢帮助我们投入更多的心力，与祢安排住在我们周遭的人建立良好的关系！
当你碰到困难时，有谁曾向你伸出援手？
你如何与隔壁邻居建立关系？
上帝要我们与邻舍彼此关怀，互相照应。