Neighbor, Friend or Both?

My friend Shauna Pilgreen poses this question on Instagram: “What is the difference between a neighbor and a friend?”

A “neighbor” is technically someone who lives in very close proximity to you; however, I’d define “neighbor” as someone who lives nextdoor, down the street, across the state, on the other side of the country or over the ocean.

In a perfect world, all of our “neighbors” would be our friends. Jesus said,

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“Love your neighbor as yourself...”

Mark 12:31

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I believe that his definition considered neighbors to be friends.

When we love our “neighbors” well, the love of friendship should radiate and become the connection that transfers “neighbor” to “friend”.

im thinking about how I’m loving my neighbor and how that looks like loving a friend. It’s a journey. It’s important. It is life-giving to be friend and neighbor no matter your physical distance.

Love well.