Are you sure?
This bookmark will be removed from all folders and any saved notes will be permanently removed.
When a neighbor isn’t so neighborly
Here’s a quick tip. If you can remember only two things from the Bible, remember these: love God, and love your neighbor (see Matt. 22:35–40). Sounds pretty simple, right? Well, for me, at times it’s been easier said than done. It can be tempting to let my follow-through depend on the circumstances.
For example, one morning while living and working abroad, I left the back door to my private garden open as usual to take in some fresh air while I read that week’s Christian Science Bible Lesson. After a while, I heard someone knocking on the shared wall between my house and that of my neighbor, whom I knew from occasional, friendly chats. He’d never done this before, but I instinctively knocked back to let him know I was home if he needed anything. To my great surprise, a few minutes later he came over the wall between our gardens and walked through my back door.
He came up to me, embraced me, and started talking to me and touching me in ways I didn’t appreciate. I quickly realized that he was drunk, probably still awake after partying all night. I asked him to stop, but he ignored my protests. Immediately, I reached out to God in prayer, not sure how the situation would be resolved, but certain that God had a solution.
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
November 7, 2011 issue
View Issue-
Letters
Amy Ward-Bailey, Karen Berger, Naomi Short
-
Expect results
Ingrid Peschke, Managing Editor
-
Social media—and sincere connections
Eric Nelson
-
Christian Science: salvation or healing?
By Nate Talbot
-
Freed from effects of stroke
By David Seligson
-
My new hold on life
By Leslie Coughtry
-
Awakened to a freer life
By Kouakou Yao Augustin
-
When a neighbor isn’t so neighborly
By Susie Jostyn
-
Prayer for my city
Christie Coddington
-
Be a rebel with a cause
By Debbie Whitler
-
College choices
By Nate Waters
-
I wasn’t afraid anymore
Christivie
-
A ‘beam’ removed
By Louise White
-
Prayer about public education
Elizabeth Kellogg
-
You are immortal!
By Abby Fuller
-
Growth gone, character improved
Richard Adolph
-
Chronic fatigue and food allergies overcome
Rebecca Colin
-
Back pain healed
Amy Lang
-
Healed of injuries from a bike accident
Robert Michaels
-
Clearer vision and safe from injury
Florence Wells
-
The forever flow-motion of good
The Editors