There is a question that is often asked after a crime has occurred. It goes this way: “Do you know your neighbour?”
As light as we may take this question, it offers profound insight into an individual’s life and personhood. In fact, it is only after a crime has been committed in our neighbourhood that we learn that we know little about the suspect neighbour. Therefore, it emphasises our limitations and the necessity of caution when dealing with our personalities; besides, many people are adept at concealing their true intentions and character.
There are two duties that the above verse exhorts us: our way of living and the contributions we make to the world around us. Taking on the appearance of one thing while being something else when we do things shows that we are not straightforward. We must align our attitudes, actions, and reactions with the values of our faith. As Christians, we should question our identity whenever we act or do things that do not conform to our claims of following God.
Do you know your neighbour is simply a better way of saying, “Do you know you?”
Ehiyeh-Sh’Ehiyeh 