Welcoming Neighbors Near and Far

Unbound sponsor Claire Sweet describes how connection with neighbors around the world fosters inclusion and support for those who desperately need it.

In Matthew 22, Jesus instructs us to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Have you ever been grateful for the love of a neighbor? Perhaps someone brought your family a meal during a difficult season or invited you over for coffee when you needed a friend. Feeling loved, supported and accepted is truly one of the greatest gifts we can give one another.

Having recently moved to a new country, I’ve experienced firsthand the power of a neighbor’s love. Being invited, included, and embraced into a community is so validating and comes with such relief after droughts of seclusion and loneliness. As I have settled into my new home, I have made it a point to welcome others who are new to the area, extending a hand of acceptance when I know they need it most.

Yet our love has the capacity to go far beyond those who live close to us. Through Unbound, we’ve connected with neighbors around the world, extending that same invitation of inclusion and support to those who so desperately need it.

Poverty can be fraught with isolation and alienation. Sponsorship allows us to be a neighbor to someone who may not speak our language or share our same culture or traditions. We can connect over a shared belief that all people deserve dignity, opportunity, and love.

I am truly grateful for the connections in my life with neighbors both near and far. We are so blessed to experience God’s love through our love for others.

Click to tweet:
We can connect over a shared belief that all people deserve dignity, opportunity, and love. #CatholicMom

Let’s pray:

Lord, we thank you for the power of love and friendship that you allow us to experience. We pray that more friendships would form between people of goodwill and the children, youth and elders around the world who are waiting for a sponsor through Unbound. Show us how to love those around us well, and how to reach out to those in need of a neighbor’s care. Amen.

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