Most of us have neighbors that are relatively close to us, whether in proximity, or relational. As such, it is up to us to do good by them and not plan or plat any evil toward them.
“29Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you.” – Proverbs 3:29 (ESV)
I know, when I read this verse, I think about whether I do plan against my neighbors. Do I look for ways of doing them harm? But that is just the beginning of planning with regard to my neighbor. I don’t plan out ways to “harm” those close to me. But, do I always do good and right by them?
“27Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. 28Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it’–when you have it with you. 30Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm.” – Proverbs 3:27-28 & 30 (ESV)
I am guilty of not always being generous with my neighbor when they ask. I have made excuses and then avoided them for the sake of not helping out. I did not seek out to harm, but by not offering my assistance in their time of need, I caused harm to them anyway. Now I am not saying that I consciously and always take that action, but I have done it in the past and for that I am as guilty as seeking to harm them in some way.
It is up to me not to take any action that might harm my neighbors, whether in proximity or relational. I have to be the better person and work to be the light of Christ that they are able to see daily. I have to put others before me and allow God to do His work in their lives and through me. I cannot be harmful to them by either intention or omission, for each are of the same negative value to them. I have to plan to do good by my neighbors.
When it comes to others, what plans do you make to help or not harm them? Are you willing to put others before yourself in the name of Christ? What would it be like if you planned to do good by your neighbors?
Trevor's Thoughts 