DEVOTION / Neighbors and fences

Getting an estimate

My wife and I recently met with a fencing installer for an estimate. He told us that often he has customers who say, "I really hate our neighbors. I can't wait for this fence to go up!"

His response is always: "Oh, really? I LOVE your neighbor!" The prospective customer's jaw drops. Then they ask, "You know my neighbor?

His reply is "Nope, never met your neighbor . . . but if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be here."

From a Christian standpoint, it might have been nicer to hear: "The Bible teaches that all people are our neighbors!" Still, his story makes me smile and reminds me of God's truth.

Being there for our neighbors

A couple of Bible accounts come to mind.

• Jonah running away from God's call to Nineveh (Jonah 1-4)

• Jesus' telling of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

• Paul's reception at many missionary stops (Acts 14: 8-20)

As humans, we might not always find our neighbors "all that lovable." We may disagree with their politics, their lifestyle, their beliefs, the hours they keep, the way they raise their kids, how they treat their pets, or so many other issues.

Still, as Christians, we know their souls are precious to our Savior, and if nothing else we are here to help with the fence that currently separates them from the Lord.

Jesus' words

What is the greatest commandment? As Jesus spoke in Mark 12:30-31, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Prayer thought

Dear Jesus, It can be easy for us to find reasons to despise our neighbors. Help us to show love in what we say and do. Instead of building fences, lead us to break down the fences that keep our neighbors separated from you. Bless us with hearts touched by your love for all souls. Amen.