Elliott was a rich, miserly man who lived in a small quiet suburban neighborhood. Elliott’s lived in the biggest and fanciest house in the neighborhood, which towered over the other homes in the area. No one really liked Elliott, but he didn’t care. The only person in the neighborhood who tried to talk to Elliott was his neighbor Ned.
Ned was a good and kind man, who tried to take care of his family the best he could. However, Ned barely made enough money to get by. In spite of this, Ned always kept a cheerful demeandor and always waved and said hi to Elliott when he saw him. Elliott never tried to help Ned, even though he knew his poor neighbor was on hard times.
However, as the economy dragged on, Elliott soon found himself facing hard times. Elliott’s business unexpectedly faltered, and Elliott had to forgo many of the luxuries he used to have. To make ends meet, Elliott sold many of his personal belongings. Elliott even had to sell his luxurious SUV to get enough cash to keep his business going. All the neighbors heard of Elliott’s financial misfortune and they all mocked him behind his back, though he knew this.
One day, as Elliott sat in his kitchen preparing dinner and pondering his finances, he received a knock on the door. It was Ned and his family at the door. Ned’s wife had baked Elliott some zucchini nut bread and Ned’s daughter had made Elliott a greeting card. Ned explained to Elliott that he knew that Elliott is going through some hard times and that Ned’s family wanted to give him some encouragement.
Shocked by Ned’s generosity, Elliott was speechless for a moment. Despite how Elliott treated Ned in the past, Ned still wanted to help Elliott out with what little he had! Shamefaced, Elliott meekly received the gifts. Elliott thanked Ned for his kindness and invited Ned’s family to have dinner with him. From that day on Elliott decided that he needed to be a better neighbor to Ned and his other neighbors as he finally understood the importance of sharing and being a good neighbor.
Jesus said that when we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, or visited the sick, we are doing these things not only for those in need, but for Him also. We cannot truly love God if we do not also love our fellow man.
David Quach
