Repaying those who did you wrong with kindness must be one of the most insanely hard things to do. This teaching has also resonated in other major religions of the world in their own forms. Even pop culture borrows this wisdom (read: Jedi Code!) Hatred truly leads only to more suffering. Someone has to break the viscious cycle.

I may not be able to love my enemies. Blind rage fires up rather imaginative ways for revenge. But I shall try to retract the hatred I feel. I hope it’s a good starting point on a long road to be a better human being.

God repays much better than I.

Now…if you feel like retaliating, then THAT’S when you absolutely need to step away from the computer, or that person and pray that the Lord take away your vengeful heart (if you have one), take away your anger and hatred and replace it with agape love, ask for His help with your heart and your tongue when dealing with this person or people in general. To react harshly is natural, but to react in love is supernatural and that only comes from God.

I went through a ongoing trial like none other these past couple of years. I was dealing with “Christians” who were lieing, scheming, setting people up, slandering, character assasination, accusing people of crimes, gossiping and turning people against others, bearing false witness and a whole slew of ugly, horrible things. This went on for years - these people were lacking fruit and causing trouble constantly. I did not have it in me to love them - I could not. I despised their very being. I prayed and prayed and prayed some more and the Lord got me through it. It was gruelling! I had to remove myself (physically) and spend time with Him until I calmed down and was able to respond in a Christ-like manner. It was one of the hardest things I had to do because it was constant - no relief - I mean every single day!

We can love our enemies but only through Christ. (you all know this - I just like to type)
Thank you for this post - just wonderful!!!!

That is so very true.

Very often we do make snap judgments about people without even having the chance to get to know them well. I am like that much of the time, but today I try very much to refrain from doing so and to see them as God sees me, you, and everyone around — as humans and with love.

God bless!

Shabbat Shalom.

Hallelujah!

You know, the truth be told, the topic for this post actually weighed on my mind for a few days during the week before I decided that I had to write it. I felt unqualified to write it because I have never been able to do just what our Lord Jesus Christ taught. There are people I still find very very difficult to forgive, much less love, bless and pray for them?

So I really pondered if I really could go ahead to write a post like this with the log in my own eyes.

Yet the compulsion became too strong, and I had to write it before I had peace of mind.

I am glad that it helped you as it did me!

God bless!

Shabbat Shalom.

Thank you very much!
Dear Michelle:

I am really happy you found the post helpful. I personally thought it was a little short, but I didn’t want it to get too long either.

God bless both of you!

Shabbat Shalom.

This post is very timely and thought provoking.

Peace to you