COLUMBIA, S.C. — "Love Thy Neighbor" is a timeless phrase from the Gospel of Matthew. It's often used to emphasize the importance of compassion, kindness, and empathy toward others.
But in a world that feels so divided, what does it actually look like to love your neighbor?
A Columbia home bears witness to that answer.
If you look past the weeds and renovation work, you'll find more than bricks and mortar. You'll find a story of faith, forgiveness and the power of friendship.
Jaquez Gattison sits in the empty home at 316 Arbor Drive.
"I'm just looking at all the footprints," says Jaquez.
This home tells the story of a group of people coming together in an unconventional way. Richland County Sheriff's Department Corporal Lawrence Brewer was among the group.
"It's a surreal moment to be back here where it all started. I would never thought that a case like this would have ended like this," says Cpl. Brewer.
The group came together at a home under renovation along Arbor Drive, off of Percival Road in Columbia.
The day after Christmas, the Richland County Sheriff's Department says three boys entered the empty home where they pushed over paint cans and damaged some walls.
Kristina Solara owns the property.
"I think the initial reaction was just an overwhelming sense of stress," says Solara. "And then, I don't know, there was just something calming about the whole thing."
While surveying the damage, Cpl. Brewer noticed 10-year-old Trayvon Porter, 12-year-old Jaquez Gattison and 13-year-old Zaylin McCallum enter the home with paint on their shoes.
"Literally in front of me crying right now bawling their eyes out asking what can we do to make this right? How can we fix this? Right? And I'm just sitting there, like, 'Oh, my God,'" says Cpl. Brewer. "I pray that she goes the other route. But of course, I can't say that."
But even without words, Solara and Cpl. Brewer were on the same page. Ultimately Solara decided not to press charges.
"We hadn't even like had a conversation or linked up and figured it out. All of that just happened naturally," says Solara. "It was just, you know, that kind of energy. So I'm grateful for this man right here for sure."
"The moment I realized she was on the same wavelength as me, I was like, thank you, Jesus," says Cpl. Brewer. "And I'm just grateful for you for having a heart to give these young boys a second chance. Because we all need that grace."
Solara names every house she flips. When she bought this property, located at 316 Arbor Drive, she just knew.
"316. John 3:16. Okay, love thy neighbor," says Kristina.
Years ago, before she ever met Cpl. Brewer or these young men, she named this home "Love Thy Neighbor."
"I'm a firm believer of the word of God, right, and the power of speaking things into existence. So there's no coincidence," says Cpl. Brewer. "There's no happenstance that everything is unfolding the way it is unfolding. So the fact that she named this property Love Thy Neighbor and these beautiful kids live right here. And they're actually neighbors of this property."
"We were in a position to actually show love to our neighbor. And not just a neighbor, but a neighbor that, for all intensive purposes, you know, did a little bit of damage," says Solara.
And in the end, an unlikely friendship emerged.
"It's just really funny. Funny group chat. Really funny view," says Trayvon and Jaquez.
From foot races in the community to bonding over renovation work.
"I got me some new friends. My buddy, he knows. So I would have to say yeah, I'm very happy and at peace," says Solara.
"And we made some new friends," says Jaquez.
As for Cpl. Brewer, he understands the importance of mentorship.
"Being able to actually call it and turn a potential mess into a message. To be back here with these lovely young men and be able to show them what unity and police looks like," says Cpl. Brewer.
"Be a better leader and not to follow people," says Trayvon.
"My mom tells me that everyday. Be a leader, not a follower,' says Jaquez. "I know I'm a leader and I'll continue to be a leader."