Neighbors

 

Neighbors

“Good fences make good neighbors” is a proverb that exists in many different cultures and languages. It's difficult to pinpoint exactly where this thought originated. It is not believed to be biblical since the bible would teach the opposite. In our time its frequent usage began with Robert Frost’s use of the phrase in his poem, “Mending Wall,” published in 1914.

Wolfgang Mieder’s, research traces the history of different versions of the proverb dating back to the 17th century. Caroline Westerhoff’s book Good Fences: The Boundaries of Hospitality, outlines the conflict between boundary and hospitality.

How can neighbors come together if they are divided by fences? As Caroline Westerhoff stated, “there is value in balancing the fine line between welcoming people in and keeping them at an arm's length.” Even  Benjamin Franklin is known to have said, “Love thy neighbor, yet don’t pull down your hedge.”

Do fences communicate the same nonverbal massage as crossed arms? Or do fenses make a healthy barrier between associates?

Social distancing and masking both signals a desire to keep distances between all those we meet. The best part of a smile hides behind colorful face masks. Church services are hampered by the rules of non-contact. “Love thy neighbor as thy self” can be accomplished but from an approved isolated distance. Those who disregard the practice of fighting COVID-19 in this manner are ostracized. Fences do not have to be made of stone, wood or wire. Separating one from another, fences can be visible or invisible. They nonetheless set at difference many neighbors.

Matthew 5:. 42 “Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you,”

Mark 12:30 “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. [John 13:34] “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;...”

Mark 12:31 “And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” Know the purpose of any fence and respect its boundaries. Never let fences separate you from the Love of God. Know God, know peace. Amen. 01/12/21 BLL