Young Adults' Group

The Wisdom Of Relating Well

by Pastor Mark
November 28, 2024

The wisdom of relating well with others

Relationships are part and parcel of life. It is not just about our relationships with family members but also with the people around us. We meet with people around our homes and in our neighbourhood daily. How we treat each other matters. There are wise ways of relating with each other. But there are also foolish ways of relating.

We often hear in the news about neighbours quarrelling with each other about parking spaces, making inconsiderate noises and other unfortunate issues. When neighbours fight with each other, it causes much tension within the community. Let us be challenged to have the wisdom to be good neighbours in how we regard each other.

A high regard for people

The author of Proverbs wrote how we ought to have a high regard for people.

1. Returning borrowed money

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbour, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” when you have it with you.” (Proverbs 3:27–28)

1. As friendly neighbours, there may be moments when money is borrowed due to hard times.
2. Yet, it is wise to not delay in returning the money when it is due to be given back.
3. The problem arises when we procrastinate about returning what is owed.
4. There must be proper regard for others and their funds.
5. If it is within our power, we ought to give back what is owed.
6. Let us be encouraged to be wise in giving high regard for the people around us.

2. Ensuring the safety of the community

“Do not devise evil against your neighbour, for he dwells by you for safety’s sake.” (Proverbs 3:29)

1. In a neighbourhood, one key consideration is safety.
2. All are concerned about living in a community that is safe and secure.
3. It is wise that no evil actions should be done against each other.
4. When evil exchanges are made, the safety of the community is compromised.
5. The challenge is to be good neighbours and uphold the safety of the “village”.

3. Learning to get along

“Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.” (Proverbs 3:30)

1. Solomon also gave the challenge of not striving with each other.
2. We ought to learn to care and be concerned for each other instead of doing harm.
3. It is to learn to get along and have a good spirit when relating with each other.
4. Let us desire to cultivate a loving and caring spirit towards all who are around us.

Love your neighbour

The Lord Jesus taught that the first great commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:37–38). The second great commandment is to love your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22:39). If we genuinely love the Lord, we will desire to have a proper regard for His commandments and obey His Word. We would learn to love and show high regard to those in our neighbourhood and beyond. Let us be challenged to have the wisdom to relate well with others and love according to the Lord’s commandments.

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