Neal Pollard
Soon, we’ll have lived in our current home for two years. We are enjoying the house, the location, the neighborhood, and most of the neighbors. However, one that lives pretty nearby has proven less than pleasant. His wife is an officer in our neighborhood HOA, and each month’s newsletter is a new posting of the hierarchy’s “95 theses.” Hardly anyone can keep from committing at least one infraction—certainly not us. They’ve had very little communication with us except when the husband complained that our compost pile was too close to the fence (on the other side of which were his garbage cans). Recently, while seeking our permission to re-paint their house, he took the opportunity to inspect the state of cleanliness of our garage. I share his desire that we keep our homes and yards in good shape, as property values are riding on our collective interest in such. The problem for them is that they have spurned our efforts at a relationship and they have done nothing to create one themselves. Thus, we tolerate and peacefully co-exist. But, there is no relationship.
Have you thought about how vital relationships are to our lives? Think about how ineffective we are with people without them. At best, we are mere associates. At worst, we become antagonists. Think of how vital the entity of relationship is to:
- Marriage (1 Pet. 3:7).
- Parenting (Deu. 6:1ff).
- A congregation (1 Th. 5:11).
- Shepherding (John 10:4-5).
- Church discipline (2 Cor. 2:6-8).
- Restoring the erring (Gal. 6:1-2).
- Preaching (2 Tim. 2:24-26; 4:2).
- Church works (Eph. 4:16).
- Deacons’ work (Acts 6:7).
- Soul-winning (Col. 4:2-6).
- Friendship (Prov. 18:24b).
Taking the time to build rapport may be mentally and emotionally exhausting at times. The best of relationships will have their downs as well as their ups. But God created us social beings not meant for isolation (Gen. 2:18). Joel O’Steen is shallow and superficial in his “preaching,” but tens of thousands of people are drawn to him because they find him relatable. His message is deadly, but his method is engaging. Some who consider themselves the staunchest “defenders of the faith” are virtual porcupines with their quills primed to stick those in their proximity. Surely those of us striving to follow New Testament Christianity can strive to build relationships while we steadfastly teach and follow the truth. How much more effective will we be as we conquer this principle every day?
The Preacher Pollard Blog 
Have you considered writing a letter to your neighbor showing your love and caring for that person and for your relationship with that neighbor?
I recently went to a gospel meeting in which the preacher talked about forgiveness and how much it can be a great burden on us. I have recently had conflict with a member of the church and neither she nor I have apologized or asked for forgiveness. PRIDE. In light of the situation I have decided to write her a letter and ask for forgiveness because I am concerned that she will not accept my words if I approach her. The reality that Jesus paid a debt for me puts pride in the garbage can and sent to where it belongs; the city dump.
At first I was unwilling to ask for forgiveness because I was angry at her but when hearing the minister at the gospel meeting speak on forgiveness, I realized that I was keeping a great burden upon myself and that I needed to let it go. I learned that my Christian relationship with her is far worth more than any amount of copper (smile) on the face of this earth and that holding grudges is not worth it. Your neighbor has obviously not figured that out.
Having read so many of your blog notes, I know that you will have the perfect and most loving things to say in your letter which I AM SURE will lead to a conversion.
One more thing. I am really tired of Ministers going into the pulpit and stepping on my toes and telling all about my personal sins. I am convinced 100% that the only person that they are preaching to is me. *giggles*