He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy. Proverbs 14:21

The first part of this verse reminds me of the Hatfields and McCoys, two families fighting for generations, and in the end nobody probably knew what the original argument was that started the conflict.

We laugh, but let’s look a little deeper. Do you dislike or hate someone with a different political viewpoint than you? Do you dislike or hate someone who believes differently than you (such as Muslims or Buddhists)? Even closer to home, do you despise a family member?

I’ll be the first to admit that it’s not easy to love – or like – those who we consider to be vile and disrespectful (or even violent) towards us.

But that’s why we need to have the grace and forgiveness of God in our lives every step of the way.