Love thy neighbour

A phrase I often use at work is "it would be easy to love thy neighbour if only they didn't make it so hard". This is usually in reference to one of the residents at work being a particular pain in the neck, being awkward or even violent. I find myself thinking, and unfortunately sometimes saying some unchristian things.

While it is understood among the staff that the things we sometimes say when pushed to extremes are only a way of blowing off steam. Even at the times when the things we say are funny and cause some good cheer amongst the staff is it right to say these things?

The simple answer is no.

Matthew 5:21-22
     "You're familiar with the command to the ancients, 'Do not murder.' I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder.  Carelessly call a brother 'idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell 'stupid!' at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.

No matter what the situation is, no matter how far we have been pushed or how bad the situation is we should always think about the example Jesus set for us. Even in the most extreme case, while being whipped and mocked by the Roman soldiers, Jesus never griped moaned or had a bad word to say about those tormenting Him. In fact the very opposite is true as we all know that Jesus asked God to forgive those who were crucifying Him.

So if we know who our neighbour is and we know how we should be treating them, if we know that we should not mouth off about people who are making life difficult for us we should try to put these things in to action. It's not going to be easy for us, but being a Christian isn't an easy thing to do. Each day is a new day and God is always going to be with us to help us, as long as we always keep trying. Because in wanting to be better and in attempting to be better we have already won half the battle.