The Bible is known by the phrase, "the good book." Such is true, however, the Bible is more than that—the Bible is "the best book." This book teaches men to "love thy neighbor," (Levitcus 19:18, Romans 13:9-10). One cannot love his neighbor by refusing to speak to him. It is amazing that some people will see their neighbor outside and not even say hello. A worse case is a person hearing his neighbor utter a greeting, but refusing to acknowledge the greeting. Such disrespect leaves the person who spoke feeling terrible. That certainly isn't loving thy neighbor.
Stealing from a neighbor isn't loving him either. The neighborhood should be a place where people can leave their homes, and it stays safe. It is bad when outsiders come into the hood and steal, but it is appalling when neighbors destroy each other by breaking into homes. People who live on the same block have living quarters in common, and they should be working together to improve the surroundings, not making it unsafe. Not keeping one's home tidy is offensive to others who are working hard to keep the block a wonderful place to live. A neat block with well-kept houses and yards do a lot for the morale of the people who live there. It shows the world that filth, shabby houses, and rodents aren't welcome. If one loves his neighbor, he will not be the cause of concern. Causing disturbances will upset the neighbors, and that doesn't showing them love. People ruin the sleep of others with loud music, fighting, barking dogs, weird guests, etc. Respect the rights and concerns of others, don't disturb them by what you do (Matthew 7:12). Hope to hear from you or to see you at the services. |