Thursday, September 16, 2010

Loving The Unlovable

Do you want to hear a sad story about a frivolous lawsuit? A couple of years ago we put up a new fence. Our next-door neighbor, a very liberal feminist-type, decided she didn't like it, so she proceeded to sue us for a four inch strip of OUR property. Yes, that's right! Four inches! After thousands of dollars in legal fees, three land surveys to confirm the property line, and an attorney (hers) who passed away in the middle of it, we thought the cased was closed, especially when it was dismissed by the court this past July (apparently time had run out on it). Then a couple of weeks ago we were presented with the lawsuit AGAIN! She went and found a new attorney and has obviously decide to throw thousands more dollars into refiling the lawsuit!

We try our best to lay low with her, telling our children to "play quietly" when she's around so they don't disturb her and ignoring the torments of her three boys when they throw things over our fence. However, there is part of me that knows how challenging this can be when she clearly hates us. That's the "human nature" in me wanting to take over and give her a good "talking to".

Yet, with all that said, I cannot help but have compassion for this poor woman. In fact, I have to think about what it could be that would make her such a bitter person. She clearly does not have Christ in her life, and knowing that makes it so much easier to endure her attack on us. I KNOW there is an emptiness in her life and she needs to be prayed for. If nothing else, it is a test from God to love the unlovable. Christ's words are pretty clear on the matter. We can all love those who bless us, but having a truly loving heart is only proven when we can also love those who give us nothing but grief in return. Only then can we say the Holy Spirit resides in us and we are of Christ.

"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 sons 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 brothers, 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

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