Living in Devonshire, like all other parishes, means that you will have a diverse set of neighbourhoods and neighbours. Some you will get along with, others well you have to recite this Bible passage every so often.

“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark, 12:31)

OK, so what happens when you and your neighbour don't get along?

What happens when they support Liverpool and you support Manchester United?

What happens when they support Somerset and you support St George’s?

Very simple, you remember your African Methodist Episcopal teachings and recite this passage from Romans, 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

Pastor David Steede II and I never agreed on sports. We had a hate-hate sports relationship. Between him, pastor Richard Scott and Reverend Jay Tucker, I never met men of the cloth who loved Whatsapping me every time their teams, Somerset and Liverpool, beat mine …

Which was and is often. Well, so much for brotherly love.

Be that as it may, I also never met a man, a brother, a neighbour as devoted to embracing all. Whenever we were not discussing or debating sports we had avid conversations on the following topics:

• Looking out for the island on a whole

• Encouraging our young men in positive endeavours

• Keeping the P of principles in politics

Most importantly, we discussed, or should I say, he discussed, and I listened to the importance of God putting us in place for our families. This particular sermon made him more happy than the last ten Cup Match Results.

I close this sermon as I open.

Despite any minor or major differences“Love thy neighbour as you love yourself”. Because, one day they may not be there to argue with you about sports any more.

I love you my Somerset / Liverpool brother.

PS: Next year is St George’s year.

• Christopher Famous is the government MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11). You can reach him on WhatsApp at 599-0901 or e-mail at carib_pro@yahoo.com