A Lifestyle of ForgivenessChikamu

DAY FIVE – LOVE THY NEIGHBOR

Here’s another example of potential daily irritations that we can practice forgiving instantly: neighbors. There are endless things a neighbor can do to tick you off. Loud dogs. Loud music. Loud shouting. Any and all forms of loud. Annoying vehicles. Messy yard. Bright lights that shine in the window when you’re trying to sleep. Setting off fireworks endlessly before and after July 4 (and New Year’s!). Letting their dog poop in your yard. Leaving their garbage cans out. Parking where they shouldn’t. Complaining about you being too loud, or letting your dog run loose, or not mowing your yard, or setting off firecrackers, or parking where you shouldn’t. 

You get the picture. Have you been mad about it? How’s that been working for you? Did it change their behavior in any way? I’m guessing no. Maybe forgiving would work better (and be a better witness) and allow God to move in the situation. Matthew 19:19 says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” It doesn’t say “if they deserve it.”  

Now, when the Bible talks about your neighbor, it’s really talking about anyone near you. It can be talking about people in your own household – and they can definitely be a source of irritation, right? The people we’re around the most are the ones who have the most potential to irritate us, offend us, or hurt our feelings. Rather than holding onto those irritations (or using them as weapons in the next argument), what if we aimed for peace in our household and just got good at forgiving quickly and easily? James 3:17 says, “Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next.” MSG.

Sometimes one person can change the dynamics in a family. I fully believe in laying down some healthy, rational boundaries for people like that (even relatives). But forgive first, to be sure your heart is right. Forgiving them (often if necessary!) rather than talking about them or dreading their presence, makes it possible for God to move in their lives. And forgiving will help you keep your peace.