Bible Discussion Thread

It is said that we must treat our neighbor as ourselves but what if our neighbor doesn't treat us the same and they just don't like you for no reason at all. Matthew 22 verse39 what are we to do?

Virginia,

I'm sorry to hear about your situation, we've also experienced a few bad neighbors over the years. It's never easy, and I hope it gets better for you soon. Although it is not easy, I would try to follow the scriptures below, and pray a lot.

Matthew 5:43

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy."

Matthew 5:44

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"

Prayers can be miraculous if your heart is in the right place.

God Bless.

Paul would write:

Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Many look over "If it is possible" sometimes it just is not possible to get along and you don't ever let someone run over you.

If you have a neighbor that does not love GOD and commits egregious acts against you he cannot be of GOD but of Satan, 2 John 1:7. Do you love Satan? I hope you said no. Anyone that does not fallow the doctrine of CHRIST we are to not so much as wish them a good day 2 John 1:10.

Thank you so much for the answer that you gave me it did help my understanding.

I would suggest: treat her like someone who does.

If we were good and honorable; the command isn't an issue-that's what you seem to be saying. But suppose you yourself were the wicked neighbor. If you were open to rebuke; would you want your neighbor to rebuff with meanness instead? Would the love of Christ demonstrated show how good can overcome evil; hence "drawing all men unto Himself?" These are not easy issues. I had to show love today toward my father who is verbally abusive; and whose mind is slowly going. This kind of grace only comes through Christ in us. Even if it is never appreciated; as the Word says God has it rain on the just and the unjust. Judas Iscariot is the most extreme example. Christ offered him the sop (an item of honor); until the deal was sealed as it were with Satan. He knew all along that he was the prophesied "son of perdition" who would betray Him; but the Psalms say that it was his "trusted friend"; clearly indicating amazingly enough sorrow and pain in the heart of Christ even for him; and Isaiah 14 indicates the same for Lucifer (also see Ezekiel 28).

Food for thought. Agape.. Rich P