“Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father … better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.”
Proverbs 27:10
The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 taught us many things. Chief among them is the importance of physical proximity. Lockdowns and stay-at-home orders effectively cut us off from much of the physical interaction we took for granted. In our family we found ourselves unable to be in the presence of extended family members for months on end, a situation which grew more painful as time wore on. In our age of quick, easy, cheap travel, the pandemic took us back to what felt like an earlier age.
Thankfully, however, we had friends who were close physically. This proverb teaches us that at times when those relationally close to us are unavailable, God often provides a neighbor who can be right close by. When we find ourselves struggling against loneliness, it is important to remember to reach out to those near to us.
Also, you may be that neighbor for someone who finds themselves alone and far from family and relatives. In the incarnation, God drew near to us… Immanuel, God with us. Never underestimate the power of being near to others.
Thankfully, however, we had friends who were close physically. This proverb teaches us that at times when those relationally close to us are unavailable, God often provides a neighbor who can be right close by. When we find ourselves struggling against loneliness, it is important to remember to reach out to those near to us.
Also, you may be that neighbor for someone who finds themselves alone and far from family and relatives. In the incarnation, God drew near to us… Immanuel, God with us. Never underestimate the power of being near to others.
Scripture Focus
Hebrews 10:19-25
Insight
Give thanks to God that you have Jesus Christ, a friend who sticks closer than a brother (see Proverbs 18:24).
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 33-34
- Psalm 119:65-120
- 1 Corinthians 12
