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Christianity Today, January, 2009 |

WRESTLING WITH ANGELS

There Goes the Neighborhood

Do I have to love my neighbor if he breaks the law?

Carolyn Arends | posted 1/21/2009 10:44AM

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I hope the kindness we eventually decided to show Van helped him change half as much as he changed the way we see the people around us. The driven professional with the BMW, the retiree with the yappy dog, the new immigrant too shy to make eye contact—these are our neighbors. And if we love the God who made them, we will love them as we love ourselves.

C. S. Lewis observes, "There are no ordinary people. You have never met a mere mortal." There are six billion residents on this cul-de-sac we call home, each of them bearing the image of God, each of them a neighbor to be loved. We might as well start with the immortals next door.

Related Elsewhere:

Other articles on spirituality and prayer are available on our site.

Arends's previous columns include:

Our Shalom Vocation | Peacemaking is more than not making waves. (November 10, 2008)

Theology in Aisle 7 | Trying to organize a God who transcends. (September 22, 2008)

Here's to All the Losers | Why defeat at the hands of God is magnificent. (July 16, 2008)

The Grace of Wrath | Is there any story about God that isn't a love story? (May 12, 2008)

Carbonated Holiness | Laughter is serious business. (April 1, 2008)

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January 2009, Vol. 53, No. 1

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Claire Jones

Posted: January 28, 2009 12:37 AM

Well written, what a nice reminder that each time we let God's directions apply to life in the moment, we find it works out amazingly, and although we feel we are being forgiving and kind to the other person, God also blesses us because of it, in miraculous unforgettable ways, that we never even imagined. Oh! if more people could only realize what they could be missing. But you have to be willing to set aside the thing that is the most immediate and natural reaction....and ask what did our Rabbi say to do. What's more, you have to remind yourself of this over and over, lest once again we rely on, or feel justified with our own opinions, and forget His words given with such love for us.

Clarence Cossey

Posted: January 22, 2009 9:24 PM


Maybe someone can write a story entitled, "Do I have to love my son if he breaks the law." In any case, it may be easier said than done.

Rev. Mike

Posted: January 22, 2009 12:23 PM


Thanks Carolyn. I was struggling to pull my thoughts together to preach on this weeks lectionary Sunday, and your words fit wonderfully. I know exactly the direction I need to go now.

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