How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird

10th Anniversary Edition

Discover practical ways to obey Christ’s 2nd Greatest Command. The 10th Anniversary Edition of Amy Lively’s guide offers a 10-step challenge for individuals and small groups.

Practical Steps to Obey the Second Commandment in a Polarized World.

Ten years ago, the “weirdness” of neighboring was mostly about social awkwardness. Today, politics and personalities clash while our culture is dissolving into a puddle of hostility and a crisis of isolation.

Just when we think we might need a break from loving our neighbor, we realize this is exactly when it’s needed most. Whether you are an individual looking to reach your street or a Women’s Ministry Leader seeking a unifying study for your church, this book bridges the gap between good intentions and actual connection.

You Don’t Have to Be a Freak or a Fanatic to Be a Friend.

I wanted to love my neighbor, but I didn’t know how. I felt guilty about Christ’s command because I didn’t even know most of the people living around me – let alone love them. I had globalized the definition of “neighbor” to include the whole world, conveniently excluding the people who live right next door.

Jesus doesn’t expect you to have all the answers. He simply places you on your street to meet the people He so carefully arranged around you.

What’s New in the 10th Anniversary Edition:

  • Updated for Today’s Neighborhood: Spoiler alert – we are lonelier than ever, using online “friends” to replace real-life friendships.

  • The “Walk It Out” Challenge: A 10-step guide included directly in the book will help you make natural connections that lead to spiritual conversations.

  • Small Group Ready (Turnkey for Leaders): Discussion questions are included at the end of every chapter—no extra teacher’s guides required! Perfect for personal reflection, book clubs, and small groups.

For Women’s Ministry Leaders

Equip Your Congregation to Live Out the Great Commandment

Are you looking for a way to mobilize the women in your church to impact your local community? How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird is designed to move your group from the pew to the front porch. Let’s talk about how the 10th Anniversary Edition is your turnkey community resource. 

  • Biblically Grounded: Rooted in the Second Commandment (Matthew 22:39).

  • Zero-Prep for Leaders: Comprehensive discussion questions included in the book mean you don’t need to create your own curriculum.

  • Action-Oriented: The “Walk It Out” challenge gives your group shared weekly missions, creating immediate testimonies of God’s faithfulness.

The “Walk It Out” Challenge

10 Steps to Loving Your Neighbor (Without Being Weird)

How do you actually start? This book includes the complete “Walk It Out” Challenge. Wrapped in prayer, you’ll take small steps toward a deeper relationship with the people God has placed around you.

 

1. PRAY

Prayer won’t change God’s heart toward your neighbors, but it will change yours.

2. LEARN

Swallow your pride and learn their names. It is a sign of esteem and respect.

3. MAP

Visualize your mission field. If you don’t know who lives there, you won’t know if they know Jesus.

4. HELP

Perform one small act of service. Kindness reduces social anxiety and builds bridges.

5. CALL

Reach out to a neighbor who lives alone. Loneliness is a pandemic on every block.

6. PLAY

Invite a neighbor to get out of the house. Play is a sign of peace and strength.

7. EAT

Share a coffee or a meal. “Commensality” levels the playing field and fosters trust.

8. GIVE

Give a small gift as an ice breaker to warm them from the inside out.

9. HOST

Open your home for 60–90 minutes. No RSVP needed—just come as you are.

10. WRITE

Send a note of encouragement. Words have the power of life and death.

 

Bonus Step – SHARE

Be prepared to share the reason for the Hope that is in you. Your personal testimony is a non-threatening and relevant way to talk about Christ.

Frequently Asked Questions About Neighborhood Outreach (FAQ)

Q: Is this book suitable for a Women's Ministry Bible Study?

A: Yes. The 10th Anniversary Edition is designed as a turnkey solution for small groups and church ministries, with discussion questions included at the end of every chapter.

Q: How do I share my faith with neighbors if I'm an introvert?

A: You don’t have to be loud to be loving. This book focuses on low-pressure, natural ways to connect, such as writing notes or simple acts of service, which are perfect for introverts.

Q: What if I don't know my neighbors' names?

A: You are not alone! The “Walk It Out” Challenge begins with simple steps to learn names and map your street, helping you move past the initial awkwardness.

Free Excerpt of How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird – 10th Anniversary Edition

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Praise for How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird

"...the tips, tools, and techniques you need..."

“What does ‘love your neighbor as yourself’ really mean? In this book, How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird, Amy Lively will give you the tips, tools, and techniques you need to love your neighbor in your own unique way. Whether you know the names of every person on your street, or couldn’t pick them out in a lineup, you will learn how to develop a relationship and, ultimately, share Jesus with them. Amy’s book is a practical and encouraging tool to use as you are trying to apply God’s commandments to your life.”

 

—Jennifer Rothschild, author and founder of Fresh Grounded Faith events

"Amy gets it..."

“Amy gets it—we want to connect with our neighbors without being that neighbor (you know, the one who makes you want to screen their calls and dim the lights when you see them coming up the driveway). In How to Love Your neighbor Without Being Weird, Amy gives us the keys to really connect with those who live around us—not with an agenda, but with a heart toward real relationships. A must-read for anyone who believes that ‘Love thy neighbor’ really starts at your front door.”

—Kathi Lipp, author of Clutterfree and Sabbath Soup

"She motivates you..."

“Have you longed to reach out in your neighborhood but feel paralyzed by doubts and fears? Me too! Amy’s practical advice from her own experiences gives the equipping ‘how to’ as well as the inspirational ‘want to.’ She motivates you to push past the obstacles and live Jesus’ command to love our neighbors.”

 

—Amy Carroll, author of Breaking Up with Perfect and Exhale

"...a fresh reminder of God’s desire..."

“Practical and insightful, How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird is a fresh reminder of God’s desire for us to love our neighbors in the midst of our everyday lives. Amy shows us step-by-step how to conquer our fears, connect with our neighbors, and have fun too! Highly recommend!”

—Cindy Bultema, author of Red Hot Faith and Live Full, Walk Free

Meet Amy Lively

Amy Lively is an author and speaker who teaches God’s Word as a “how-to” manual for loving Him and loving others. Amy brings deep theological insight in living-room-sized doses, drawing from her Master’s studies in Biblical and Theological Foundations at Asbury Theological Seminary.

A business owner, active church member, and small group leader, Amy has been married to David since 1990. They have a daughter and son-in-law, and divide their time between the mountains of Colorado and the rivers of Central Florida.

Big Savings on Bulk Orders

With small group curriculum baked into each chapter and a 10-step “Walk It Out” Challenge, How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird is a turn-key community activator for your church!

Bulk orders receive significant discounts, and small groups receive a one-on-one video call with author Amy Lively. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipping.

 

  • 10-24 copies: save 10%
  • 25-49 copies: save 20%
  • 50-99 copies: save 30%
  • 100+ copies: save 40%