"Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away." (Proverbs 27:10)

In our modern age, people rarely live close to their biological family. Increasingly, we grow up and ship out, returning to our hometowns only here and there, if at all. Often, our parents divorce and move away. Soon, there's no reason to go home at all.

This is why the new humanity, the family of God, the body of Christ is so important these days. "Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away." In the church, we must slowly and steadily cultivate the relationships we will need for life. And we must be the "neighbor who is near" for the many others who are in need.

I know I am thankful for my "near neighbors" in our local church family. Their care, love, and support have meant the world to me and I've needed them countless times and in many ways.