Something to Ponder
It’s challenging to like someone who is targeting us with judgements, bullying, words of abuse or attacking others, especially those close to us.
I don’t observe these negativisms as coming from those who are unlovable, nor do I think of them as enemies. They are worthy and usually in need of love.
It is the behaviors that I dislike but they do not determine how my behaviors will be toward them. I continue to treat others with kindness, demonstrating love.
Stay safe. Stay connected.
Blessings and the strength of Love be with you.
Rev. Mary,
revmjwhite@hotmail.ca
Reading Matthew 5:43-47 (ERB)
Love Your Enemies
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies. Pray for those who treat you badly. God lets the sun rise for all people, whether they are good or bad. And sends rain to those who do right and to those who do wrong. If you love only those who love you, why should you get a reward for that? Even the tax collectors do that. And if you are nice only to your friends, you are no better than anyone else. Even the people who don’t know God are nice to their friends.
Prayer
Creating Creator of all that is, help us to love and care for those we find hard to like. Teach us to understand and befriend all who have been so hurt by life that they can only express themselves in hurtful ways; through Jesus the Christ, whose healing power brought wholeness of life to all who came to him.
– Rachel Stowe
Sited in Zondervan, “The Book of a Thousand Prayers”