The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Love Thy Neighbor?

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner

6 June 2007

The commands we were taught when we were children, such as "Love Thy Neighbor" seems to be more complex as adults than we ever thought.

We have abuses going on in our neighborhoods, and we turn our back, because we don't want to get involved. We don't want to meddle, yet there is that haunting reminder in the back of our minds that says, "Love thy neighbor."

There is hatred for our country that has continued over the years until our country is threatened to be attacked again by enemies.

Yet, we question if we should send troops to a country even when people are under attack by terrorists. We ask, "Should we get involved when there is danger?"

But we still hear the words: "Love Thy neighbor as thyself."

There is the immigration issue. We even hear some debating whether we should be accepting foreigners into our country at all. Shouldn't we just take care of ourselves and our own?

We make business decisions that upset others in our community because it is a good business deal for us and our families, and the law allows it. At the same time it affects our neighbors, and many are upset.

When we were young, it was so easy to know the answers and do what was right. Our parents had simple solutions. Why has it become so difficult as adults?

And where do the words "Love Thy Neighbor" fit in?