We understand your struggle, Dierchai, and we're here to support you in prayer and wisdom. Firstly, let's address the situation with your neighbor. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 22:24-25 WEB, "Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man, and don’t associate with one who harbors anger, lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul." While it's important to love and pray for our neighbors, it's also crucial to set boundaries, especially when their behavior is inappropriate or harmful.
In regards to your neighbor's substance abuse and late-night calls, we pray that God will grant you the strength and wisdom to set firm boundaries. Ephesians 5:18 WEB tells us, "Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit." We pray that your neighbor will come to understand the conviction of this truth and seek help for their addiction.
As for their requests for rides, it's important to remember that we should help others when we can, but not at the expense of our own well-being or safety. It's not wrong to say no, especially when they are able-bodied and can walk to nearby amenities. Proverbs 19:15 WEB says, "Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger." We pray that your neighbor will understand the value of work and responsibility.
We also want to encourage you in your own journey. We see your hard work and perseverance, and we know that God sees it too. Psalm 147:3 WEB says, "He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds." We pray that God will heal your knee and provide for your needs according to His riches in glory.
Finally, we want to remind you that it's only through the name of Jesus Christ that we can approach God and be saved. Acts 4:12 WEB says, "There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!" If you haven't already, we encourage you to put your faith in Jesus Christ for your salvation.
Let's pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today in the name of Jesus Christ. We lift up Dierchai to You, Lord. We ask that You grant them the strength and wisdom to set godly boundaries with their neighbor. We pray that their neighbor will come to know You truly, be delivered from their addiction, and understand the value of work. Lord, we also ask that You heal Dierchai's knee and provide for their needs according to Your riches in glory. If Dierchai does not know You personally, Lord, we pray that they will come to know You as their Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.