Being a good neighbor
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Being a good neighbor
by John E. Werhan
tinyurl.com/75zz5lw
Recently, I was asked to address the topic of "Being a
Good Neighbor."
This is an important topic and should be on the minds
of everyone. As humans, the majority of people desire
and crave a relationship with others. Such
relationships begin with one's immediate family, moves
on the extended family and finally to the populous at
large.
In some places, a relationship with the last group is
especially difficult. Some live years in an area and
never know their neighbors. In an area such as ours, we
are blessed to at least know the majority of people in
our community.
Yet, such relationships are never without difficulties.
Everyone is different and living in close proximity
with others can manifest in various ways. This is why
everyone should strive to be a good neighbor.
Jesus was asked the question, "What commandment is the
foremost of all?" by the scribes (Mark 12:28b). Jesus
answered them by commanding them [and us] to love God
and our fellow man above ourselves (Mark 12:29-31).
The word translated "love" in this text is "agapao" which
means, "To desire the very best for another." The
second greatest is that we are to "agapao" (love) one
another as we love ourselves. Truly, most people would
desire to keep the Lord's command the best they can.
Would we like it if someone drove into our yard and had
a party? Certainly, we would not. Therefore, since we
would not like it done to us, why would we do it to
someone else? Jesus said, "Treat others the same way
you want them to treat you"(Luke 6:31).
Let us consider two of many points that will help us be
good neighbors. First, let us walk in our neighbor's
shoes (Matthew 5:5).
Our neighbor probably has likes and dislikes that are
different from us. Praise God he did not make us all
alike. Because of this, they may have different tastes
in house colors or yard decorations. They may do things
that we would not do. Economics may be a factor in
their decisions as well as health issues. Before we
become disgruntled, we should step back and consider
things from the neighbor's point of view.
Besides, they may not like our choices or activities.
Remember that a person's house is their castle and
their property is their kingdom.
Second, we need to back up and take a long look at
ourselves (Matthew 7:5). It is imperative that we be
the example of being a good neighbor. We should make
sure that they are manifesting themselves and their
actions in a neighborly manner. There may be things
that we do that our neighbors do not like and would not
do. Our house color or our choices in yard decorations
may be eyesores. We all have our own likes and
dislikes.
It has been said, "The best neighbors are those on the
other side of a high and sound-proof fence." Since this
is never a reality, let James remind us of the Lord's
command, "If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law
according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your
neighbor as yourself,' you are doing well'" (James 2:8).
If we will manifest ("agapao") the very best for our
neighbors, we may foster a cooperative relationship
with our neighbors. It is a two-way street and we each
must do our best to make these relationships grow.
___________
John preachers for the The Northeast church
of Christ in Sentinel, Oklahoma.
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