“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Galatians 5:14 (NIV)
As Christians, we have heard this message many times. In Matthew 22:37-39, where Jesus says: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
In today’s verse, Paul reminds the early church about the importance of this commandment.
Though we know and accept these things, they are challenging to implement when we have “bad neighbors.” I’m willing to guess over the years, we’ve all had at least one troublesome neighbor. Consider this account:
"My next-door neighbor hated my dogs. He would let them out of the yard and call animal control on them. We spent lots of money bailing them out of the animal shelter. The worst was when he called animal control to tell them that one particular dog was out and attacking a child. The animal control officer asked him to describe this dog, and he did. My husband was at the animal shelter with that dog getting him microchipped AS THIS WAS HAPPENING. After that, animal control didn't take his calls too seriously. The dogs mysteriously stopped getting out when my husband told the neighbor that we had cameras and we had caught him letting the dogs out."
What are we good, Christ-loving followers supposed to do? Jesus tells us how to respond in the Sermon on the Mount, specifically in Matthew 5:38-39: "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."
When Jesus tells us to “turn the other cheek,” he uses a metaphor to teach us about non-retaliation and forgiveness. What does that really mean? How do we respond with love and empathy when it’s challenging? This isn’t a one-fits-all model—there’s no such thing—but I think it’s what Jesus is getting at.
Patience and Understanding: Try to understand the reasons behind your neighbor’s behavior. They might be going through difficult times or unaware of the impact of their actions.
Communication: Open a respectful dialogue with your neighbor. Express your concerns calmly and listen to their perspective.
Forgiveness: Be willing to forgive past grievances. Holding onto anger can escalate conflicts.
Acts of Kindness: Small gestures of kindness can sometimes change the dynamics of a strained relationship.
Seek Mediation: If direct communication doesn’t work, consider involving a neutral third party to mediate the situation.
In Ephesians 4:2-3, Paul encourages believers to “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” This emphasizes the importance of humility, patience, and striving for unity. But this equation has two parts: ourselves and the problematic person. We are responsible only for ourselves; if the other person is not amenable, we may need to seek other recourse. But we have spiritual peace knowing we have put Christ’s commandment into practice.
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts seeking Your guidance and strength. Help us embody Your commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves, even when challenging. Grant us patience, understanding, and the ability to communicate with kindness and respect. May we forgive as You have forgiven us and show acts of kindness that reflect Your love. When conflicts arise, guide us to seek peaceful resolutions and maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. We trust in Your wisdom and grace to navigate these relationships. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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