Love Thy Neighbour?

[FEELINLOST]

At church today it was spoken about Loving Thy Neighbour.....Does this mean literally (your next door neighbour) or individuals in your life?

I live next door to horrible neighbours who have caused racial harassment and intimadation, so what do we do in this circumstance?

What if you don't get on with parents because of their sterotypical and narrow-minded views which causes hurt and anger, do we still continue to love despite all these obstacles in life??

Please could someone explain, with thanks

[MsEVP]

Feelinlost: Love thy neighbour. Powerful words which mean love your fellow human being, because we are all brothers and sisters under the skin. Of course it`s hard to do with some people but try to remember that there is a spark of God in each one of us, even though it may be very small and shrunken. It has to be nurtured. e.g. you see a woman pass you on the street each day and she always has a scowl on her face. You usually try not to look at her. One morning just give her the biggest smile you can muster and say Good morning. (Who knows what trouble this woman has or how`s she been treated.) Hopefully next time you see she might be able to return your smile. If not, keep on trying.

[terambulan]

Doesn't mean open-door to appreciate wife's fare while hubby's at work?

[naomi24]

Obviously, you can't love everyone. Human nature being what it is, to love everyone in the true sense of the word would be impossible. You can, however, try to understand why people behave the way they do, and if you can bring yourself to feel pity for those who are spiteful, selfish, narrow-minded, or just plain nasty, and try to understand that they are sadly lacking in some way, then it's far easier to rise above the effect that they might otherwise have on you. Don't allow hatred or bitterness to encroach, because that will only harm you. Instead think about what these people really are, and try to replace your confusion and anger with sympathy for their failings - because their failings is what you're talking about. You will then find that you will be able to look at them in a different light, and your anger will diminish. You have to turn the tables. They're sad people, and sympathy, and having the personal strength to look at them from a different angle and to muster that sympathy is the key. You will probably never be able to love them, but at least in this way you will be able to tolerate them - and that will bring you peace of mind.

Don't let anyone get you down, Feelinlost. If you know you're doing the right thing, then that is enough. Keep strong. x

[FEELINLOST]

Thank you MsEVP and naomi24 for your comforted words,
it is kind and supporting.......

[Tom Braider]

The meaning of the requirement to love thy neighbour is clearly illustrated by the story of the Samaritan in the gospel of Luke ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_samaritan )
You have to remember that the Samaritans were a despised, "alien" minority - try reading the story substituting a racist word for the word "Samaritan".
It doesn't say you have to love bad behaviour - the Samaritan was worthy of love because of what he did, despite what he was. However, we are also called to forgive those who do us harm...

As for parents, see the 10 Commandments - we're told to "honour" them... I think the love is taken for granted.

[Doc.Spock.1]

What annoys me are statements like, "there is a spark of god in each of us"


No there bl00dy is'nt I don't subscribe to the silly childish notion of stupid gods.

There is nothing in me but ME.

[keyplus90]

I believe when we talk about neighbour then it starts from you next door and then onto whole mankind. You next door neighbour are important because in any normal society people should be able to give each other helping hand and care in difficulties. For example if you have an old neighbour or someone who is not well then although law permits you till 11:00PM but do not play your music loud before that. That little concern would enable them to appreciate your actions sooner or later.

If your neighbour is a kind of really horrible as you said. Still one thing always works, greetings, and a little gift. Whenever I go anywhere on holidays I always bring small gifts for my neighbours. What that did? House we are in now, when we were thinking about buying few people across the road came and even estate agent more or less said that people do not usually stay here for long due to next door people. Even my wife was a bit worried. Now after 9 years they are the best of the neighbours.

[Octavius]

Doc, having seen a lot of your posts, that explains so much.

[keyplus90]

Octavius � don�t worry about his posts. He only posts when his nursery teacher is on tea break������.





But then it is half term now.

[DaisyMae]

I wonder why people who claim so vehemently to be dyed in the wool atheists bother to come into a forum where religious topics are being discussed. Surely it can be for no reason other than to cause trouble and to make themselves seem superior.

Shame really, there are people who have genuine questions of belief and can do with some gentle assistance in understanding the teachings of the Bible. What they don't need is the sarcastic, totally lacking in knowledge and common courtesy of the likes of Doc.Spock.1.

I hope the answers you have found on here help with understanding.

[keyplus90]

Daisy - I have no doubt that atheism is a religion as well. Because this is what these atheists believe in. They can not prove it as fact so it is nothing but faith. I have learnt to ignore few and I am sure you would learn that too.

[Puzzle]

I like to think of my neighbour as my nearest and dearest ie my husband. Then if I am well enough I try to be at peace with other people and help if I can.