The Neighbours

2 Kings 4:3 “And Elisha said, “Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbours.” (emphasis added).

The second type of relationship you need, to be limitless and to truly become all that God has created you to be, is Constituents. In 2 Kings 4, it is pretty clear that the constituents were the neighbours. Elisha told the woman to go to her neighbours, her constituents. 

The truth is neighbours exist because you have a common interest. It is that common interest that brings you together. And that common interest can be where you live (location has brought you together). Sometimes, it is where you are going that brings you together. For example, a trip by air or by road brings you together. And once the common interest no longer exists, you lose those neighbours. For instance, once you move out of the estate, or disembark from the flight, everybody goes their own way.

When you understand the nature of your neighbours, you enjoy your neighbours. You add value to your neighbours. But you treat them as neighbours. Never ever take a neighbour beyond being a neighbour, except when they transition. Do not get me wrong, neighbours can transition into being more than just neighbours. Your constituents are the people who are for what you are for, a common interest. Constituents are not like conspirators; conspirators are against you. Your constituents are not against you, they are for what you are for—that is all. 

You need neighbours. When it was time for the woman in 2 Kings 4 to move to her next level, she needed her neighbours. To move to your next level, you need your neighbours, but you need to discern them for who they are—neighbours. Do not get it twisted. Knowing someone is your neighbour helps you understand that once the common interest is not there to sustain the relationship, that neighbour will vanish out of your life. It is easy to think your neighbours are your friends because you meet at estate meetings and so on. But they are not friends, they are neighbours. When you are able to categorize this clearly, your life is at peace. 

A neighbour is just a neighbour. Some people marry their neighbours. They both met in the UK, for instance. Then one person decides to move back to Nigeria because he or she is more connected to Nigeria. But the other person refuses to move and boom, that is the end of the relationship, even though the marriage relationship is supposed to be for a lifetime. People should not marry their “neighbours”. You can find them interesting. But it is just that interest that is common to you that has brought you together. 

Prayer: Father, I ask for the grace to discern my relationships rightly, in Jesus Name. Amen!