The important thing is to remember those holes in our hearts. We each have holes in our heart that only Jesus can fill. People try to fill them with many things, some of which lead to crime and violence. Zaccheus, in Luke 19, tried to use money, and often stole from others. Jesus saved him, and he changed on the inside after meeting Jesus. He, and others through the years, realized only God can bring true happiness.
Because so many are filling their hearts with other things, life can be very hard in some areas. You don’t have to live in a poor area to have an unsafe neighborhood. But, anyone can work to help a neighborhood become safer.
Lots of times, people avoid helping because they’re scared. But, there are usually a lot of people who will watch a neighborhood together, if they know they’ll have help. It’s also important to remember to report things – even if you must do so anonymously. Yes, authorities have too much work at times, and can be slow to respond. However, God put them here to help, so if they don’t, they have to answer to Him.
Also, it’s not as important as having God on your side, but by having a bunch of concerned citizens helping and watching, you build part of that network that may help you with other things. Just remember that people can let you down, but God never will. Use Godly discernment as you build those relationships, as we said.
