Living in Peace--and Quiet!

You hate it when a new family moves into the apartment above yours. They slam doors going in and out, no matter how late it is. You guess they each weigh two hundred pounds—your bedroom window actually rattles when they stomp around. They yell over their booming stereo, and you now need earplugs to sleep. You complain to everyone in the building and urge two of your friends’ moms to call the police. Eventually your complaints get back to the new neighbors, and the wife visits you. “I heard what you said about us,” she says. “I wish you’d come to us directly. We’ll turn down the music and be quieter. I didn’t know we were disturbing you.” Embarrassed, you mutter, “Thank you,” and close the door.

Try to live at peace with others. For one thing, not everyone will react as pleasantly as your upstairs neighbors. You could start a fight that lasts for months—or years. Gossip just stirs up trouble. “Don’t talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow!” (Proverbs 10:19 NLT) If there’s a problem, go peacefully to the person and express your concern. See if you can work out a solution together. You may avoid making an enemy—and gain a friend instead.