The Hatfields and McCoys are names that’ll always be synonymous with bitter feud. The legendary rift between the two families living along the Kentucky/West Virginia border began in 1865 with the murder of Asa Harmon McCoy and lasted for generations. There was intermarrying between the Hatfields and McCoys, making the relationship between the two families even more complicated and volatile.

Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you.

Proverbs 3:29

Today’s verse commands people to not plan evil against their neighbors. Who is your neighbor? When Jesus was asked that question, He answered with a parable found in Luke 10:25-37. When a man was beaten by robbers and left along the road to die, a priest and a Levite passed on by, but an ill-regarded Samaritan offered him extraordinary kindness. The law expert who questioned Jesus admitted that it was the Samaritan who acted most neighborly. Jesus responded, “You go, and do likewise.”

The biggest kindness of all – to those you love, acquaintances, and even enemies – is to pray for them. Intercede, too, that America’s leaders and citizens will practice the parable’s message of compassion and not plan evil against one another.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 4:25-32