Loving Our Neighbors

Jesus once said the second greatest commandment was “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). What fascinates me is where Jesus looks for evidence of one who loves his neighbor. Specifically our neighbor is the one who is struggling. In the parable of the sheep and the goats Jesus commends and gathers to himself those who feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, invited in the stranger, clothed the naked, visited the sick and the prisoner (Matthew 25:31-45). Notice this focus on the basics: food, water, clothing, and companionship. In the famous “Good Samaritan parable” Jesus teaches us that our neighbor is the one robbed, hurting and left for dead on the side of the road (Luke 10:29-37); in essence our neighbor is the person in need. Loving people through generous compassion is one of the greatest evidences of a changed heart. It is one of the simplest ways we can look like Jesus in character.
Most churches have ministries that reflect some or all of these needs. If you are part of a church, I encourage you to seek out ways to volunteer in these areas. Another great way to help is to come alongside one of our excellent community non-profits - the Fairbanks Community Food Bank. It was founded in 1982 when representatives from five Fairbanks churches got together to feed the hungry. Those churches started something simple, yet remarkable. The Food Bank gathers food freely given and gives it away free to all who need it. I am sure that the Harvard Business School would say this is a foolish business model but through God’s grace it has worked for decades. It is truly a community food bank; anyone can donate or help with their great work and anyone can come receive the food they need. Today it has multiple buildings with high quality storage (the walk-in freezers are incredible). Trucks go around town to stores and businesses who are willing to pick up food that is near its expiration date. Organizations like the State Troopers and many businesses have food drives that collect large quantities of food that they bring to the Food Bank to be shared. The Food Bank has distribution sites all around town (mostly churches). For example, this year my church (Journey) distributed 269,100 pounds of food from the Food Bank! The Food Bank itself distributed about 3 million pounds of food in this community with a little bit of it going to northern Alaskan villages! There is a “food is medicine program” where those with a doctor’s prescription can receive additional fresh produce to eat in a more intentional way that promotes better health. There is even a food biodigester now at the Food Bank for food that is no longer edible that turns it into compost and keeps the waste out of land fill that is ever nearing capacity. I only recently learned this keeping food waste out of the land fill was written into the original mission of the organization.
I am always amazed at what can grow from a small seed. In this case, the seed was the simple idea that we can best love a hungry neighbor by offering them free food.  From that has grown a remarkable organization that is a true blessing to this community. Thank you to every one of you who has given food or monetary donations or your precious time to love your neighbors well.

Pastor Derek Dickinson
Journey Christian Church