We’ve all had those people we disagreed with and some of us have had some people in which we got down and dirty and argued, even fought with. In a world where we are to love our neighbor, how do we handle things when we just cannot seem to get along with another person?
Sometimes there are circumstances in which we clash with someone else. Times when the best diplomacy and love, does not seem to bring piece. Times when, even agreeing to disagree appears to fall short of success.
Can we be good neighbors even if we adamantly oppose and disagree with the actions or values of another person?
What if the other person adamantly disagrees with us?
What about situations where there has been abuse?
Can we always treat our neighbor with respect and dignity?
Recently, I saw a news report of a woman being confronted aggressively by a man. The woman was setting up for a birthday party in a public park. She had rented an area within the park and was getting things ready, when a man began shouting at her over the shirt she was wearing. A shirt imprinted with the flag of Puerto Rico.
The man, who appeared to be intoxicated, told the woman repeatedly that she could not wear the shirt in the United States. The man continued to harass the woman for ten minutes, questioning her citizenship and telling her she was “not going to change us.”
Video of the incident shows the man coming closer and closer to the woman, who is trying her best to remain calm and not escalate things. In the background of the video is a police officer who appears to be aware of what is going on but does nothing to intervene. The woman is heard pleading with the officer to come and help her. She tells the officer she is uncomfortable and that the man is harassing her. Eventually, other officers arrive and arrest the man for harassing the woman.
The video of this occurrence has gone viral and many people have been upset by it.
They have been upset by the man for his volatile and racist abuse of the woman who was there to celebrate her 24th birthday.
People have also been upset with the police officer who did not intervene even as the woman was pleading for help. Public outcry has led to the police department to investigate the altercation and the officer mentioned has resigned.
And there are even people that are angry toward the woman in the video. They agree with the man, that she should not be wearing a shirt of any flag other than that of the USA. There are some who do not like the woman because she is Puerto Rican. (a territory of the United States)
It’s hard to see how anyone can watch the video footage and not be affected in some way. When I first saw the video on a news feed, I was saddened by what I was seeing. I was also angry that this ordeal was taking place. I saw it as hateful, and my compassion for others caused me to be angry at what I was seeing. In this moment, it can be difficult to think about loving our neighbors or even getting along with others.
To be truthful, one of my first feelings was the desire to face punch the man in the video and immediately fire the officer involved. My initial feelings, when watching this incident was very primal and very human. And that is why being a follower of Jesus Christ can be challenging.
As a Christ follower, I am compelled to find ways of loving my neighbors. All of my neighbors. For me, that means loving and respecting every being on the planet. How can I do that in a situation like this?
Can I see everyone in this story as Jesus does? Jesus, who loves all of us?
Can I look further beyond what I see?
Can I pray for the possible issues that lead to these behaviors?
Can I pause long enough to try and see even my enemy as someone that should be prayed for?
If someone is doing something I disagree with, does it help the situation if I only think of them as a villain?
Does that help the situation or Does it make it worse?
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48 NIV)
Have you ever had an enemy?
Recently I shared a message on this and the topic of loving our neighbors.
We recorded the message and made it available on our podcast.
The message is titled “A World Divided” and can be found here.