I have a list of subjects that I intend to write about. Because of my most recent “blog slog” that list has continued to grow. Having finally forced myself to write something, I am faced with which subject to choose. I have chosen to write about “The Depth of My Sin”
The following is a true story.
I am a good neighbor. I love my neighbors. I try diligently to help them whenever possible. I am obedient to Jesus’ 2nd most important command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” I find significant righteousness in loving my neighbors.
Recently, loving my neighbor, as I often do, I had agreed to take my disabled friend and neighbor to his physical therapy appointment. Taking the time to interrupt my day, I arrive at his house to pick him up and was surprised to find that he was not at home. Puzzled, I called him on his cell phone to find out that he was already at the therapist, having gotten another ride. Obviously he had not let me know. What happened next is disturbing.
I was angry. How could he be so inconsiderate? The least he could have done was give me a call. I had put aside other things to help him. I immediately called on my latent, but highly skilled talents from my years as a manager at Ford Motor Company to teach (?) correct (?) discipline (?) so he would not do such again. My words were sharp and direct, I spoke truth about his lack of consideration and common curtesy. I was energized by exposing such unacceptable behavior.
His response was deep contrition and profuse apology. My parting thought, if not my words, was “don’t let it happen again”.
Only after I ended the call, did it occur to me how much I had shamed my neighbor and reinforced his perceptions of himself that he is a worthless, useless shell of man that has lost his dignity and purpose in life.
I am a good neighbor. I love my neighbors.
Not so much, I do good things for my neighbors, but do I truly love them?
Do you love your neighbors? Yes Lord!
Then wash their feet.
Do you love your neighbors? Yes Lord!
Then bind their wounds.
Do you love your neighbors? Yes Lord!
Then love them as I have loved you.
Lord help me for I am broken.
