«Command the people, saying, You are about to pass through the territory of your brethren, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. Therefore watch yourselves carefully'» (Deuteronomy 2:4).
The inhabitants of Edom would be nervous and apprehensive, and might as a result make a sudden attack upon Israel. On the other hand, their awareness of the fear in the hearts of the Edomites might lead Israel to take advantage of that fear and invade the country.»—SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 961. God, faithful even with infidels, had promised certain blessing to the descendants of Esau, and He proposed to keep His word. They were nervous when they learned about the multitude who would pass through their lands. God warned the Israelites to be careful, for them not to start any quarrels, for them to respect the territory as they crossed through it, and for them to pay for whatever they used. The idea was to teach the Israelites to deal fairly with their neighbors. This is a praiseworthy principle of getting along. Let us be kind to our neighbors, respect their rights, even if they oppose us. Let us establish or restore a good relationship with them.
One of my neighbors used to ask a rhetorical question: «Who is your best brother? Your nearest neighbor.» I was able to develop a beautiful friendship with her. I haven’t always had neighbors that are so open, friendly, and spontaneous. Once I had for neighbors a couple who were very well educated and financially stable. We would see each other in the elevator but we just said hello. The wife’s anguish was so great one day that she told me her husband had been diagnosed with cancer. I offered to pray for him, and I went to visit them. He did not want to come anywhere near me, and from a distance he said that he did not need any prayers. The next time I saw the lady, I asked her how her husband was. She told me he had died two weeks before. I was so sorry I had not done anything more for them. I can just imagine the pain that God feels for the people who reject His intervention.
There is a work for us to do for our neighbors. «Go to your neighbors one by one, and come close to them till their hearts are warmed by your unselfish interest and love. Sympathize with them, pray for them, watch for opportunities to do them good, and as you can, gather a few together and open the Word of God to their darkened minds.»—Welfare Ministry, p. ch. 11, p. 87.
Pray for your neighbors, visit them, give them a small token of appreciation, and win over their friendship.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
