You Reap What You Sow

Have you ever had an experience in your life when you asked someone a simple question, and they just ignored you? Then in the future, they turn around and ask you something, and you give them the same treatment? This act becomes a constant back-and-forth struggle, and it can really affect the mindset of both people involved.

Well, the Bible has something to say about it; but before I get into that, I just want to mention something. If you are ignoring your neighbor for no reason whatsoever, you are ostracizing them; this affects a certain part of their brain, called the anterior cingulate cortex. Now for those of you who don't know what ostracism means, it is the act of excluding someone from a society or group (the New Oxford American Dictionary). By doing this, you are actually inflicting a form of pain on the one who is being ostracized.

Well, the Bible says:

"...Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Matthew 22:39)

"Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him." (Proverbs 26:27)

"Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him." (Isaiah 3:11)

"Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same." (Job 4:8)

"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." (Matthew 7:12)

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7)

Now, based on this, it seems that you should never ignore someone. Well, I am not implying that. I am just trying to let people know that if someone has not done anything wrong to you, you should not ignore them.

That means if someone acts you a silly question, ANSWER IT. Ladies, if it seems like a guy is hitting on you, TALK TO HIM. If a bum walks up to you and asks you for money, RESPOND to him/her. You never know; it may not be a silly question, he may not actually be hitting on you, and maybe the bum really does need something to eat. Remember, each and every one of us has value in the eyes of the LORD. You do not know if that person will get saved later in his/her life; that is why it is so important to treat EVERYONE with respect.

"Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king." (1st Peter 2:17)

"Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:31)

Now, if you are witnessing to someone, and they are acting foolish, then you are to walk away from them.

"Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding." (Proverbs 9:6)

Remember, as Christians we are always expected to do the right thing, and should always be walking in the Spirit.

"For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:8-9)

Always show respect to people, even if you are in a hurry to get somewhere.