How to Love Your Neighbor: The B.L.E.S.S. Framework
This simple yet powerful approach was highlighted in Dave Ferguson’s keynote at IFCMC24, where he emphasized how blessing others leads to multiplication. This framework was shared at all conference locations and serves as a practical way for each of us to live on mission. To access past conferences, find the link here or in the menu.
Have you ever had new neighbors move in and wondered, "What kind of relationship will we have?" It can be exciting, like the adult version of new kids arriving at school. Maybe they’ll become your new best friends, or maybe they’ll be more challenging to love. Either way, as followers of Christ, we are called to love our neighbors—something the Bible emphasizes not once, not twice, but eight times! (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:27, Romans 13:9, Galatians 5:14, James 2:8) But the real challenge isn’t just knowing that we should love our neighbors. It’s knowing how to do it.
Many of us struggle with evangelism because we either don’t know how to share our faith, or we’ve seen approaches that feel pushy and ineffective. But what if evangelism wasn’t about forcing conversations but about being a blessing? Research shows that those who seek to bless others have a far greater impact than those who focus solely on converting people. Jesus modeled this for us, and we can follow His example using the B.L.E.S.S. framework.
B.L.E.S.S. - Five Practices for Loving Your Neighbor
B – Begin with Prayer
Loving your neighbor starts with prayer. Ask God to show you whom He wants you to bless. Pray for your neighbors by name, for their well-being, and for opportunities to serve and connect with them. Jesus often withdrew to pray before engaging in ministry (Luke 5:16), and we should do the same.
Action Step: Identify one neighbor (where you live, work, or play) and commit to praying for them daily this week.
L – Listen with Care
One of the biggest desires people have is to be heard. Rather than jumping into spiritual conversations, start by listening. Ask about their life, their challenges, and their dreams. When we truly listen without judgment, we build trust and relationships. "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" (James 1:19).
Action Step: Have a conversation with a neighbor this week and focus on listening more than speaking. Ask open-ended questions and show genuine interest.
E – Eat Together
There’s something powerful about sharing a meal. Jesus often ate with people as a way to connect and build relationships (Luke 19:5-7). Inviting a neighbor over for coffee or dinner creates space for meaningful conversations and deeper connections.
Action Step: Invite a neighbor to share a meal or coffee with you in the next two weeks.
S – Serve in Love
Look for ways to serve your neighbors in practical ways. Maybe they need help with yard work, childcare, or a meal during a difficult time. Small acts of kindness demonstrate God’s love in tangible ways. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve" (Mark 10:45).
Action Step: Identify a simple way to serve a neighbor this week and follow through with it.
S – Share Your Story
Once you’ve built trust through prayer, listening, eating, and serving, there will be natural opportunities to share your story. Talk about what God has done in your life and why your faith matters to you. Sharing your story doesn’t have to be a sermon; it’s about authentically expressing how Jesus has changed your life. "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15).
Action Step: When the opportunity arises, share a personal story of how your faith has impacted your life.
Conclusion: Live as a Blessing and Multiply
Loving your neighbor doesn’t have to be complicated or uncomfortable. By following the B.L.E.S.S. framework, we can naturally and effectively share God’s love with those around us. The goal isn’t just conversion—it’s connection and multiplication. When we commit to being a blessing, we create opportunities for genuine relationships and transformative conversations. As we disciple our neighbors, they, in turn, can become blessings to others, leading to a multiplication movement that reflects the essence of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
Challenge: This week, take one step from the B.L.E.S.S. framework and put it into action. Who knows? The next person to experience God’s love might be just next door. By embracing this approach, we contribute to a broader movement of disciple-making and church multiplication.
Order your copy of BLESS: 5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World by Dave Ferguson and Jon Ferguson
