[Dailydevo] Daily Devotion Monday October 24, 2005

[Barry Ludwig]

Daily Devotions Monday October 24, 2005

This week's devotions are offered by Karen Ludwig. They focus on the theme
of being neighborly. Who are these neighbors and what is to be done with
them!

 

Part 1   What am I supposed to do with my neighbors?

The Old Testament gives us some direction on how to treat our neighbors. It
is the business model that talks about fair play and fair wage. There is
even a "Profit margin" talked about in verse 16 that warns against reaping
rewards enacting a blood vengeance even though that might be what you are
entitled to do according to  protocol. . 

 

Leviticus 19:13-18 

"You shall not defraud your neighbor; you shall not steal; and you shall not
keep for yourself the wages of a laborer until morning. You shall not render
an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the
great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor. You shall not go around
as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not profit by the blood of
your neighbor: I am the LORD. You shall not hate in your heart anyone of
your kin; you shall reprove your neighbor, or you will incur guilt yourself.
You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people,
but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD."

 

This respect for your neighbor kept the community in balance. This week I
heard a familiar version of the "neighbor's dog in my yard" that went
against the Levitical mandate. A coworker's husband was frustrated with the
neighbor's dogs running into his yard and using it for their play and toilet
area. When my friend has guests over, the dogs run up to the guests and bark
at them because the dogs think they are protecting their own territory.
This past weekend the dogs went after my friend's grandson and scared him.
Her husband immediately told the neighbors that they better get those dogs
into their house other wise he was going to shorten their lives dramatically
with a gun! The neighbor threatened back with calling the police.  Here is a
community out of balance. Love is absent for the neighbor and it does not
bode well for the future. 

 

During difficult times of being challenged by the actions of our neighbors,
remember the need for balance in our community. Avoid the grudge, and
hatred; replace them with love!

Grant us the grace so to do. Lord.

 

 

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