The Grouch Next Door

Bible Reading: Romans 12:17-21

“Your yard’s looking good, Greg!”

At the sound of his father’s voice, Mitch looked out the window and saw Dad give the guy next door a thumbs-up. Their neighbor—who most people referred to as Grumpy Guy—nodded curtly in response.

When Dad came inside, Mitch asked, “Dad, why are you nice to that grouchy guy?”

“Mitch,” Dad said, “he’s an adult. So, to you, his name is Mr. Oakley. I know he can be unpleasant. Does that mean I can be unpleasant in return?”

“But, Dad, he talks bad about everyone, even you! He says you leave the trash cans out too long and you water the lawn too much. Yesterday he cursed out the mailman. Nobody likes him.”

For a moment, Dad was silent. Then he said, “I understand how you feel, Mitch. When I was your age, the neighborhood grouch was Mr. Hardwick. He still lives near Grandma. Every time I saw him, he either ignored me or screamed at me, especially if my Frisbee went into his yard.”

“That sounds like Grump—I mean, Mr. Oakley.”

“One day when I complained to my mom about Mr. Hardwick, she told me something I never forgot. She said when you meet someone who often seems grumpy, you don’t really know what’s going on with him behind closed doors. He might have terrible money problems or cancer, or maybe he just lost a family member or has gone through a lot of tough experiences in his life.”

“I never thought of that. Do you think Mr. Oakley is sick or something?”

“I don’t know. But I do know this—nobody should live in a neighborhood and feel like there’s not one person there who would be friendly to him. As a Christian who’s been shown God’s kindness even though I didn’t deserve it, that thought really bothers me. Suppose Mr. Oakley had car trouble and needed a ride to work? I’d want him to look over here and know we would help him.”

“I get it, Dad. You want to show him Jesus.”

Dad nodded. “A wise man once said, ‘You may be the only Bible some people will ever read.’ I want to show Mr. Oakley that Jesus loves him and that he’s welcome in the family of God.”

-Teresa Ambord

How About You?

Do you know someone who’s often in a bad mood? It might be a neighbor, a teacher, a member of your family, or someone else. It’s tempting to be grouchy to a person who is grouchy to you, but keep in mind, that person might have troubles you don’t know about. Instead of being grouchy, respond as Jesus would. Show that person the love and kindness He has shown you.

Today’s Key Verse: Romans 12:21 (NKJV) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Today’s Key Thought:

Respond with kindness