Practical Suggestions for Loving Your Neighbor Economically

By Robin Keating

This month we have been discussing how being part of a community promotes financial stability. As a Christian, I am compelled to share what I have, understanding that placing my faith in Christ means my needs are already met through Christ Jesus. Because I have the promise through Christ to have everything I need, everything I have is for me to steward.

So what are some ways that community promotes financial stability? To answer that question, you have to understand “community”. It’s not just you giving something to another person. There is sharing involved in a community. There isn’t a hero mentality. Community involves togetherness, each person carrying their own load while others carry the load they can’t. There is a level of mutuality or interdependence.

Community is more about “we” and “us”. It’s not just the generosity of one, although it may begin there. It also is very relational. There’s a give and take found in “community”. The Bible speaks of having “all things in common.” There really is no community without knowing your neighbors.

Having all things in common is different from paying for someone to have what they need. It’s more what’s mine is all of yours, because what’s “mine” is God’s. Partners do not make a community. Neither do groups interacting define a community. Community comes about through “shared” experiences, leaving individuals with a feeling of belonging.

Let’s look at ways to bring financial stability specifically through community.

1. Think about the “stuff” each of us stores in our garages or closets—items we’ve kept for years, just in case we might need them one day. Instead of letting these things sit unused, consider how they could help someone else by lending or giving them away, reducing expenses for others. Now imagine this idea on a community level, where neighbors are aware of what each other has and are open to sharing. Rather than hoarding items, we can create a culture of generosity and support. After all, we are stewards, not owners
2. Do you have a skill that you could lend? Are you a handyman? Could you mend a fence or repair a leaky faucet? Do you sew? Do you know how to cook a meal? All of these skills and more can help a neighbor regain stability or head towards it.
3. Maybe you have the opportunity to hire someone who is working to pay off debt—perhaps to do yard work, repair appliances, or clear gutters. This arrangement not only helps you with tasks around your home but also provides your neighbor with a dignified way to earn the financial support they need.

In conclusion, as we reflect on the critical role of community in fostering financial stability, it’s evident that our individual resources—whether they be possessions, skills, or time—become magnified when shared within a supportive network. By embracing the mindset that what we have is not just for ourselves but for the collective good, we live out our identity as stewards rather than owners. This shared approach allows us to address each other’s needs proactively, transforming mere acquaintances into a meaningful network of care and support.

When we engage with our neighbors—by lending tools, sharing our expertise, or simply offering a helping hand—we cultivate an environment where everyone can flourish. Financial burdens become lighter when we lift them together, and in doing so, we foster deeper connections that enrich our lives and strengthen our communities.

Let us challenge ourselves to be intentional about building these relationships, knowing that our contributions, no matter how small, can have a profound impact. As we seek to support one another, may we continue to grow not just in financial stability but also in love, trust, and togetherness—reflecting the very essence of what it means to be part of a community rooted in Christ.