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So we have been writing and talking about how to love your neighbor for the last 5 month. Today I want to look back at one of the first things we talked about, Hindrances. We recently taught a class at our church on loving your neighbor and in the first class we talked about hindrances and it gave us a great insight into some of them. Here are some that might face you as well:

1. Work Schedule my hours are odd and different than the ones of other people
2. Don’t have time for something extra
3. Do I live my own life the way Jesus called me to
4. I have my own interests I want to focus on
5. Fear of rejection what if neighbors don’t want to be friends with me
6. Personality type – I’m an introvert, I’m more task focused and it’s harder to be relational

These are all hindrances that can face the most of us and they are true reasons. But all hindrances can be overcome if we pray, brainstorm and have God help us. Let us go through them one by one:

1. What we noticed with that is that even odd hours are hours where you can connect with people. As an example, if you have the night shift at work starting 11 till 7 you go to sleep after that for 8 hours wake up and it gives you the opportunity to have a neighbor over for a coffee. For you, it would be breakfast coffee for them an afternoon coffee time. So hindrance can be overcome with creative thinking
2. That is a problem in today’s society. Instead of having more time we fill our schedules way too much. One way to change that is by prioritizing. What about if you plan a few things less and open up a time to connect. Loving your neighbor is one of the greatest commandments Jesus has given us and it it’s important that we make it a priority
3. This actually could be a challenge for all of us. If we don’t live our life the way Jesus called us to this might be a good way to change that. Let us make lifestyle decisions we think Jesus would make. And you don’t have to be perfect to love your neighbor; we just have to work on our issues.
4. Yes, I agree all of us have interests we want to do. But what about you get to know your neighbor and you might be surprised that some of them might have the same interest. You could truly find a new friend through that and your interests can be enriched!
5. Yes, that is a very true fear we probably all had since our school days. What if people don’t like us and don’t want to be friends with us. You know many people didn’t like Jesus but he still chooses to love them. And maybe you remind them of someone they had a bad experience with, but God can redeem that through you truly loving them.
6. Personality type is a big one, but it doesn’t have to be a hindrance. If you are an introvert make sure you get your alone time in every week but then also introverts need people maybe just in smaller doses so maybe have a small dinner with 2 of your neighbors. If you are more of a task-focused person you still need relationships. Sometimes we have to learn the skill to connect with people in a relational way without a task. And it is all possible.

So these are some of the hindrances and we gave you some ideas to overcome them. But the main thing to remember, one thing Jesus said in Mark 9.23 and what inspired Elvis Presley to write on his memorial side:

“All things are possible for one who believes!”

Hey our friend

Did your summer weather start yet? Did you roll out the barbecue for some good hot dogs and great conversations with neighbors? Grilling is one of my favorites and Jen and I look forward to this coming season where we can do that more often! Our wonderful neighborhood is doing well too. We love all of our neighbor friends which are a true blessing. We pray that God will give you such a love for your neighbors and you become friends like we are!

So let us all move forward this week in overcoming hindrances and let us love our neighbors!

Have a blessed week

Markus and Jen