Editorial October 24, 1988 Issue

Love supersedes animosity

Ann Kenrick

We all need a sense of safety, a feeling of peace, about where we live. Yet sometimes we find ourselves in situations where circumstances apparently beyond our control threaten our well-being and that of our family.

A few years ago some new neighbors moved into the apartment block where I had lived for over twenty years. Their way of life was very different from mine. Their "day" extended far into the night, and my day started very early in the morning. So I was getting very little peace and rest. On top of this, the newcomers seemed to be outspokenly antagonistic toward me and the work I was doing. Although I'd tried to be neighborly, their attitude soon turned into verbal abuse, and even my visitors were subjected to foul language and ridicule.

At first I felt angry and resentful. But as a Christian I knew I needed as always to obey Christ Jesus' command—in this case quite literally to "love my neighbors." Over a period of several months there was some improvement in the situation. I made progress in obeying Christ's command. And I also became assured about the inviolability of my home. My prayer in regard to the situation showed me that my safety and my home were to be found in a stronger trust in God's care.

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