How do I love a wicked neighbour?

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QUESTION:

The Holy Bible says to love your neighbour, what if your neighbor is evil or a very nasty person?

RESPONSE:

When we study the Bible in the rightly divided context, we see that God doesn't expect us to have warm, feelings for someone who is mean or acting wickedly. In the Bible, the kind of love we are told to show is a choice, not a feeling. It’s about choosing to treat someone with a standard of grace because that is how God treated us. It basically means you decide that their bad behaviour won't turn you into a bad person. You seek their "highest good"—which is really just a fancy way of saying you hope they get saved and change their ways—but you don't have to like what they are doing.

The Apostle Paul gives us a very practical rule: live at peace with everyone if possible. This is a huge relief because it shows that God knows some people make peace impossible. If a neighbour is dangerous or truly nasty, you don't have to let them walk all over you. You can set boundaries, keep your distance, and even call for help if they are breaking the law. Loving them doesn't mean being their best friend; it means refusing to get even, staying calm so you don't ruin your own reputation, and praying that they eventually find the truth. You’re simply being the "bigger person" by reflecting God’s patience, even while you keep your distance from them.

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