Sometimes, loving your neighbor sounds beautiful in Bible verses. But putting it into practice? That’s another story!
This afternoon, I found myself picking up five bags of dog waste left behind by someone in my community. Unfortunately, this has been an ongoing issue for several months. And yes, some of it was diarrhea. Not exactly my idea of a peaceful afternoon! 😂
I had already brought the matter to management’s attention, but the situation seemed to be getting worse.
I found myself wondering: Should I leave a note? Should I complain again? Or should I simply walk away?
Then I remembered something Jesus taught us.
Matthew 22:39 (KJV)
“Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
It’s easy to talk about loving our neighbors when everything is going well. It’s much harder when someone’s actions inconvenience us, frustrate us, or even make us angry.
But loving our neighbor doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay. It doesn’t mean accepting irresponsibility or allowing others to take advantage of our kindness.
It means choosing to respond with patience, respect, and compassion rather than anger or resentment.
Galatians 6:10 (KJV) reminds us:
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men…”
And Jesus takes that teaching even further.
Luke 6:27 (KJV)
“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,”
Perhaps the lesson this afternoon isn’t really about five bags of dog waste. It’s about the kind of person I want to become.
I cannot control someone else’s behavior, but I can choose my own response.
I can be kind without being a doormat. I can speak up without being disrespectful. And I can set boundaries without holding grudges.
After all, loving our neighbors isn’t always convenient, comfortable, or pleasant.
Sometimes, it takes a little more patience than we expected.
And occasionally, apparently, five bags of dog waste. 😂
My afternoon reminder: Let kindness guide my actions, wisdom guide my words, and faith guide my heart.
Walking Through Life, With Purpose.
