7 Ways to create a climate of sharing

When was the last time you borrowed something from a Neighbor? When my Neighbor was "Beth," I felt very comfortable to call or go over to borrow things all the time. But I don't have a "Beth" now, or I haven't found her yet, if I do. Maybe she's next door, and I don't even know it!


Convenience stores are neighbor killers.  Instead of putting aside our pride and putting down our guard to ask a neighbor to borrow something like a punch ladle or a cup of flour or an egg or a sled, we just run to the corner store (they're on EVERY corner in some places) or Wal-mart. Blessed are you and your Neighbor if you don't have access to convenience stores everywhere.

Proverbs 3:28
Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.

O that we would be generous Neighbors. Maybe we're reluctant to borrow, because we don't want the Neighbor to get the wrong idea and start draining us dry by asking for things they need. If WE don't ask, THEY won't ask. Right?

Right.  And so if they don't even feel like they can ask for a cup of sugar, they certainly aren't ever going to say something like, "Things at our house have been really hard lately.  How do deal with life when you feel hurt and discouraged?" 

Maybe sharing our faith starts with sharing our sugar. 

7 Ways to create a climate of sharing:

1. Take something "extra" to your neighbor (fruit, baked goods, potting soil)
2. Tell your neighbor what you have that they are welcome to borrow
3. Ask your neighbor to borrow something you could get at Wal-mart
4. Return what you borrow asap
5. When you borrow and/or return, use the chance to chat
6. Bring up "the borrow" the next time you talk and say thanks again
7. Run out of sugar