Love Thy Neighbor?

Situation: My upstairs neighbors are LOUD. I hear everything. Every step, the cabinets, when they move stuff. Pretty much everything but conversation...and they constantly seem to be on the move. I've gone up to talk to them, the man was smug, denied everything and basically told me I was wrong and must have been hearing someone else. I went to the office, spoke with the manager who promised to send them a notice. A few nights later, I had to knock on my ceiling three times to which they stomped three times. And there went a call to the security officer. Then tonight...doors open, two fans on, and my TV on watching the game and I can STILL hear them. I knock, they stomp, I lose it. I walked myself right up there and knock firmly on their door. The man looked at me like "here we go again, what's your problem?" The first words out of my mouth..."Why do you insist on being so inconsiderate?" I said it calmly and with a look of dumbfoundedness. That was the beginning of me being berated by the man and the two women. Once again, they were rude, denied everything and implied I was the one with the problem. The conversation ended when the woman told ME that I was disturbing THEM and to please leave. I strongly stated, "I'll leave, and you have a WONDERFUL night!" but part of me wished I would have said right back "WHY DO YOU THINK I AM HERE WOMAN!?!"

Upset, I called Mom who sympathized and told me that I needed to continue to pray about the situation and pray before talking to management agian tomorrow. I did that very thing, and as only Jesus can do, I was covered in peace. The noise hasn't stopped, but my heart is sad for these people. And once again, the question rose to the surface that I always seem to struggle with...How do you love others without getting walked all over? If they were purposely being loud because they wanted to annoy me because I was a Christian...I'd let them bang away and I doubt it would bother me. But they don't know I'm a believer. A fact that I am ashamed of and considering that our only interactions have been heated discussions, I doubt that it has even crossed their minds. I'm annoyed with them for refusing to acknowledge that maybe they might be louder than they realize. I'm annoyed in general when others live in their little world and don't consider others. Small things like stopping in the middle of a walkway, putting your cart in the middle of an aisle, talking on your cell DURING a movie and having to be the first person on the plane bother me just as much as a parent insisting their child is sicker than every other child when my other pt just died or found out they have cancer, or that people state "I don't care, I'm not paying for it" when I work hard for my paycheck and insurance. On every level, lack of consideration and thoughtlessness are like fingers on a chalkboard to me. Not that I am never guilty of this! I feel bad everytime I am on my phone when I am checking out or am lost in thought and make a stupid move driving.

But I am to consider others better than myself. I am to be a representative at all times. I am to extend grace and mercy. I am to practice patience. The fact that I love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength should be shaping my every interaction. I'm mad that they just won't simply say "sorry, we don't think we're making that much noise, but we'll try and keep it down." when I should be devastated that they could be going to Hell. Who knows why God placed them above me. All I know is, my attitude needs to change and I need to be praying more for them. As my mom used to say even though she thought it sounded cheesy...you can't kick those who you are on your knees for. And honestly, if I wouldn't be charged for assault or I was still a two year old...I would have been happy to kick them.

But the question still remains...how do I love without rewarding their behavior? How do I love without feeling I am getting walked all over and am constantly just having to let things go. I'm a pretty easy going gal, it takes a lot to upset me...but inconsideration and lack of respect will put you in the fast lane to reaching that destination. How do I love and express my frustration when we can't see eye to eye?

So I have learn to love my neighbor as myself...I just have to trust God to show me how.