Habitat for Humanity built Ron and Sandy a house on land that had been vacant for a long time. Many years before Ron’s ancestors had lived in that part of town. Ron and Sandy were thrilled to have a home of their own after having lived in another state for many years.

Ron and Sandy quickly became aware of negative messages from neighbors. They began finding trash on their lawn, tp in their tree, threatening voice messages. Neighbors complained that Ron and Sandy had “taken their land.” Posters started appearing in the grocery store. Ron and Sandy kept trying to be kind to their neighbors. They compromised in an effort to make peace.

However, the situation only escalated. Ron and Sandy put up a fence and taught their children to choose friends carefully. Then one night they heard noises in the back yard. When daylight came they found holes in the fence. Ron and Sandy installed every kind of security. Eventually drive-by shootings became the norm.

Ron and Sandy did everything they knew to appease the angry neighbors. The old adage, “if you give an inch, they take a mile,” seemed to be true. Ron sought help from the authorities. The police took the neighbors’ side and blamed Ron and Sandy.

There were occasional “truces.”  It seemed as though the neighbors used those times to re-group, re-arm and plan new attack strategies.

Eventually Ron’s concern for his family's safety exceeded his desire for peace. He let the neighbors know they needed to stop attacking his home and family. Since the police had done nothing, Ron warned the neighbors that he would take the offensive if they persisted in attacking.

Ron’s neighbors were determined to get him out of the neighborhood. And Ron had been a pacifist for so long. So the neighbors continued their barrage. And Ron kept his promise.

What do you think? Do you think Ron should keep giving in, hoping for peace?  Do you think Ron is justified in his aggression? What would you do in Ron's situation?