In the list of unpleasant things ones can experience, but not top of the list by any means, is a difficult neighbour. In my case, this is a person who makes unfair or unreasonable demands, who minds your business in an intrusive manner, can be quite rude and dismissive, and who sends you to Coventry for things they have done themselves.

Doubtless there is a possibility of some mental illness or cognitive impairment (though we all have these to a greater of lesser extent) and this should make one compassionate. As a Christian I know only too well from Scripture that it is easy to love a neighbour who is kind and likeable, but difficult to do the same for someone who is, well, sometimes unpleasant. But I must try. It isn't an option.

'To love your neighbour as you love yourself' is a command.