In Acts chapter ten we are introduced to a man who would have been a wonderful neighbor. Cornelius possessed the qualifies of a good neighbor. He was a man who feared God, had taught aH in his household to do the same, he spent much time in prayers to God and he was a generous man (Acts 10:2). When we look at the word "neighbor" in our English Bible we lose some of the meaning, because there are three Greek words that the New Testament writers used that have been translated "neighbor" and each one helps to define the biblical concept of being a good neighbor.
The three Greek words are "geiton" which means "one living in the same land"(Luke 14:12); "perioikos" which means "dwelling around" (Luke 1:58); and "piesion" which means "the (one) living near" (Luke 10:36). In Bible times in Palestine the population lived in little villages, towns and cities. No one lived out by themselves on farms like in our country. So people often walked together in the morning and evening going to and from their farm land. Domestic life was touched at every point by a wide circle of neighbors.
The scriptures define a good neighbor as one who is helpful, as Jesus pointed out in the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:36) "Which now of these three, thingest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?" In the parables of the "lost sheep" and "lost pieces of money" (Luke 15:3-10), Jesus pointed out another thing about being a good neighbor. When the lost sheep and the lost money was found these people called on their neighbors to come and rejoice with them over finding that which was lost. This shows a closeness that we should have with our neighbors. The Bible also points out in such verses as Romans 13:10 and 15:2, that we should treat our neighbors with sincerity.
In such passages as Matthew 5:43; 19:19; 22:39; etc., Jesus quoted and expanded on the command of Leviticus 19:18, "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.' I am the LORD. ' In Luke 10, a certain lawyer asked Jesus, "who is my neighbor?" Jesus responded with the story of the Good Samaritan and showed how a good neighbor acts toward his neighbors. This brings us back to the question at the start. According to the Bible definition, "are you a good neighbor?"