Love Your Enemy - Soon You'll Like Them

Avoiding the person at work that pushes your buttons is not how God wants us to live. Sure you can go most of the day without making eye contact with that person that you just can't seem to get along with. You can get to your office taking three flights of stairs in the back of the building and never pass the desk of the guy you just can't stand. But is that what God wants you to do?

All of us come from different situations and it is hard not to let the problems we are facing overcome us. No matter how hard we try it is difficult not to wear our problems on our sleeves or face. It is just a result of us dog-paddling in our sea of problems. Then our attitude deteriorates and so does our relationship with others.

Jesus told his disciples in John 13:34-35, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Showing love to people who are not nice to you is a hard thing to do. But give it a try. You can smile at someone and put forth a good effort to try to become friends with them. Talk to them and find out something about them. Show a genuine concern for others. You just might be the only person all day that tries to make contact with them.

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compasionate and humble. Do not repay evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8-9

Christians should resemble their brother Jesus. Make a special effort to get along with everyone. React to those who are not nice to you as you think Jesus would react. Be slow to become angry and if there is a personality conflict, it should not linger. Conflicts and arguments should be kept small and be short-lived.

Put a bandage over the wounds and build a bridge over the battle field to have peace. God knows that if you try to love your enemies that soon you won't have enemies. You will have new friends.

Love your enemy and you will eventually like them.

Rick Hawbaker