“Don’t plan to harm your neighbor, for he trusts you and lives near you” Proverbs 3:29.
Relationships with neighbors are tricky. When you choose a home, you often know nothing about the neighbors until you are moved-in. When you finally meet, you may find yourself in a long-term relationship with someone you like, someone you dislike, or maybe someone crazy.
What if you have a dispute? Can you resolve it? Will you call the police when your neighbor plays loud music late at night? What if his dog gets out? A dog attack resulting in hospitalization may be an easy call because of the medical bills.
But what if a dog gets in your yard and digs up the flower bed? Is that worth a trip to small claims court?
What if you make neighbors mad? Are you willing to render your property vulnerable to sabotage? My aunt Joyce’s Bassett Hounds were killed when a neighbor fed them poison. Will you take that risk? (Have you seen the TV show FEAR THY NEIGHBOR? Some neighbors do not have sound minds.)
No one wants to be taken advantage of. But YOU HAVE TO LIVE WITH THESE PEOPLE.
Sometimes it’s better to forgive and be the bigger person… This is true not only where you live, but at work and in situations involving friends and associates. Sometimes the best thing you can do is roll with the punches. Sometimes being “the bigger man” or the stronger, more mature party, means accepting a loss and ignoring an offense.
“Do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” Matthew 5:39.
Lawyers fight battles every day. Justice and fairness are our obsession. But this lawyer is telling you: sometimes the wisest thing you can do is forgive and let things go.
When it comes to neighbors or anyone you will continue to regularly interact with, crushing them over a once-minor conflict will poison the well from which you both are drinking.
“Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding keeps silent” Proverbs 11:12.
Forgive. Ignore and forgive.
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