You Are My Neighbor
You must love your neighbor as you love yourself.
Matthew 22:39
Engagement in political systems is rooted in our understanding that love is practiced through justice, mercy, and a desire for the welfare of all of God's creation.
This election season and election day, we challenge you to 2 simple but powerful things:
1. VOTE!
You cannot vote unless you are registered! Don’t procrastinate—get registered today.
Visit VOTE.GOV now to register!
You can also find out information about:
- mail-in or absentee ballots
- changing your name or address
- voting as a new US citizens
- voting with a disability
- voting while unhoused
- voting as a college student
Many states allow young people to register if they will turn 18 on or before the next election.
To check if you are already registered, visit the U.S. VOTE FOUNDATION.
Now that you are all set – who can you encourage to do the same?
Let’s make it our business to ensure that all of our neighbors have the opportunity to have their vote counted by upholding efforts to eliminate barriers to voting and by supporting fair and transparent elections. Seek justice. Love mercy.
2. Get to know a neighbor!
Our love of God is lived out in the ways we love our neighbors. Getting to know our neighbors, the ones who look, act, and believe like us - and those who don't - is a key first step.
How often do we stand in lines and not even acknowledge our neighbors? How many names do we know of the folks living on our street, in our building, or in our place of work? (That’s a cool challenge for you to try. Get out a piece of paper, and jot down the names of as many of your literal neighbors as you can. How far did you get? What do you know about them, their family, their needs or hopes or joys?)
Let’s make it our business to introduce ourselves, ask a thoughtful and kind question, and communicate our gladness in the mere fact that we are neighbors.
Let’s make this election season a time where relationships are meaningful and authentic – even if we disagree politically. What if at the end of election day, no matter who wins, we have a deep sense of satisfaction in knowing more of our neighbors than when we started the day?
Also...Wear a sticker!
Many of us take pride in wearing our "I Voted" sticker on election day. What if this year you added an "I'm Glad You Are My Neighbor" sticker to your shirt?
We’re hoping it might be a small way to begin a conversation, to invite or make a “hello” a bit easier, and gently communicate your values even as you go about the business of your day.
Want us to send you a sticker? Fill out THIS FORM and we will mail you stickers while supplies last. You can also print out your own and pin it to your shirt, hang it on your desk, or otherwise display it.
Post a Selfie #YouAreMyNeighbor
(Want to support our effort? You can make a tax-deductible donation here. Thank you for helping us love our neighbors!)
Oh, and...
It's important that we recognize the echo chambers we live in and soften ourselves to be intellectually curious, willing to learn, and earnest seekers of balance and fact checked resources.
Before posting on social media, let’s ask ourselves:
1. Is it true or does it just support what I already believe or hope?
2. Have I taken time to consider other perspectives, and assumed the best about people who believe differently than me?
3. Am I communicating in a way that reflects my values and honors my love of my neighbor?
Listen to this message on the problems of disunity and moving away from the extremes in politics by Rev. Andy Stanley as he addressed the Georgia House of Representatives in 2022.
Want to Go Another Mile?
Want to do more? Consider acts of kindness or service!
The list below can help you get started in considering what is the next right step for you. But remember, even the most basic conversation, demonstration of authentic interest, and bit of grace or kindness can make a big difference for someone else.
We know that of the many needs in our world, loneliness is significant. What’s encouraging, however, is that we know the antidote and have it available to us!
How can your presence or awareness make a difference for someone?
- VOLUNTEER.GOV is a database of volunteer opportunities sorted by type and location. It’s a great place to begin. You may even discover an opportunity you’d never considered before!
- If you’re local in Fairfax County, VA, visit Volunteer Fairfax.
- Consider volunteering as a poll worker.
Simple but powerful ways to love your neighbors:
- say hello
- ask their name or how they are doing (then listen)
- assume the best about them
- share a meal
- share a book or article you enjoyed
- throw a party or celebrate something
- ask them about themselves (then listen)
- forgive something that doesn’t really matter anyway
- forgive something that does matter, but you’re able to find a way forward.
- advocate for something that matters and would address a need in your community; invite others to join you.
- join in something that matters to your neighbors (listen about why it matters to them)
- share if you have a bit extra (food, joy, laughter, resources, skills)