The Incident
During my span of life [67 yrs], I’ve lived in Alabama (my home state – “Roll Tide”), Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, Virginia, & Florida. In each of these locations, we’ve had a variety of neighbors of whom were really great folks to live beside. In fact, I can’t think of a time in which we just couldn’t get along with the people around us, that is until now. Without getting into the nitty-gritty of circumstances, let’s just say that there have been issues that have arisen with one of our neighbors, nothing violently hostile, but definitely uncomfortable issues to contend with when it comes to the people who live next door.
Last week, I was spending a restful afternoon at home after our Sunday service. My wife needed to take care of a few errands and when she got back home, she inquired, have you seen what the neighbors did? To which I said, “No, I’ve been resting.” She then said, “maybe you need to come see what they’ve done.” So, I surveyed the situation finding that the neighbors had posted a sign, directed toward our home. The large metal sign read: “Private property – No Trespassing – Violators will be prosecuted”
I looked at it half in amazement and half in amusement. I realize that we’ve had disagreements, but never anything that would require such a posting. I recognize their life doesn’t bear the fruit of a professing Christian, and I’ve come to understand that’s what you get with someone who’s not surrendered their life to Christ, however ... I have, in fact, everyone in our neighborhood is very aware of the fact that we’re followers of Christ and in fact, that we’ve been pastor’s for over 45 years!
I can’t help but wonder what the people in our neighborhood think as they see this warning sign posted virtually at the door of our house. Oh well, what are you going to do? I was then reminded of a story from before the fall of the Berlin Wall. When trash from the East was once tossed over the Wall into West Berlin, the people there didn’t retaliate. Instead, they gathered useful things—blankets, canned food, a few toys—wrapped them up and sent them back over with a simple note: “We give what we have to offer.” The gesture was meant to defuse tension and emphasize civility and neighborly grace, despite being on different sides of the fence.
A Biblical Reflection
In Matthew 5:9 Jesus tells us, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” [NLT]
Most versions insert the word [peacemakers] here, but I prefer the wording of the [NLT] as it seems to project more of a visual, an act of doing what it takes to attain peace.
Also notice the way the Amplified Bible states this passage: “Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God.” [AMP]
So again, I ask the question in reference to our situation: “What are you going to do?” Here is our answer: we are going to apply Matthew 5:9 by doing everything within our power to “work for peace” and to be “makers and maintainers of peace.”
When we determine to act in this way, the next verse comes into effect for us. Listen to what it says. “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” [Matthew 5:10 – NLT]
My Prayer For You
May the Lord bless you richly as you “work for peace” in your own situation. My prayer is that whatever stands before you, you will choose to be a maker and maintainer of peace.
Have a wonderful day my friend!