The Gift

Do you like raisins? How about figs? Me neither. But we can learn something about inviting our neighbors to our homes from these sticky (some would say “icky”) dried fruits.

Raisin cakes were a common food in Bible times. I have no idea what raisin cakes are and I have no interest in making up a batch in my modern kitchen (although the hard clump of raisins in my cupboard may qualify). Here’s what I do know: everyone loves free food. Women of the Bible knew this and used it to their advantage.

Women like Abigail. Abigail was in big trouble with her neighbors. As clever as she was cute (1 Samuel 25:3), Abigail lost no time in preparing raisin and fig cakes and other delicacies to assuage an invading tribe (1 Samuel 25:18). Her gift was accepted and her neighborhood was saved ( 1 Samuel 25:35).

Abigail’s thoughtful and generous gift didn’t change their hearts, but it did make them stop long enough to listen to her humble and gracious words.

Queen Esther knew this, too. She prepared a lavish banquet for King Xerxes to soften his heart toward her request (Esther 5:3-4). In fact, she invited him to dinner twice before she asked him to have mercy on her neighbors (Esther 7:1-4).

These women demonstrated a principle that’s plainly spelled out for us in Proverbs 18:16 (TNIV)- “A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.”

It’s easier to knock on your neighbor’s door with one hand when you’re holding a gift in your other hand.

Depending on your personality, passing out your Neighborhood Café invitations might not bother you in the least. Or, the thought of knocking on your neighbor’s doors might make you want to pee your pants. Both reactions are completely normal!

Having a gift in hand to present to your neighbors gives you something to talk about as soon as the door is opened. Here are some affordable and adorable ways to turn a small piece of paper into a very nice gift:

Print the invitations on cardstock, a heavier paper that’s available in many colors at any office supply or scrapbooking store. Your invitation will be more durable, which makes it more likely to be saved and remembered.

Attach the invitation to a small, inexpensive favor or food item:

Individual bag of ground coffee
Tea bag
Cocoa mix
Peppermints or hard candy
Snack sized portion of cookies
Seed packet
Artificial flower stem

Food items should be factory sealed. Frankly, people are reluctant to eat a homemade food gift from someone they don’t know. Save your special recipes for neighbors who are already friends.

Several small items like wrapped candies can be placed into a clear storage bag or cello bag (found at craft stores) and tied with curling ribbon.

Use a long piece of ribbon, about 24”, tied into a bow with long loops so you can hang the invitation on a doorknob if no one is home.

Get creative! Get crafty! You can be thrifty and cutesy. Don’t forget, you can also hand write your invitation on a piece of scrap paper so long as it’s delivered with a smile and a sincere heart.

Other things to consider:

You may not place your invitation inside a mailbox unless it has proper postage. You may, however, leave it in a newspaper box or at your neighbor’s door.
Post the invitation at the community center, pool or office of your neighborhood or apartment complex after checking any homeowner’s association rules or restrictions.
Write an article for your neighborhood newsletter or website.
Put an announcement in your church bulletin.

A handshake might end in a hug, passing acquaintances might become good friends. Now go follow Jesus’ advice from Matthew 22:9 –