“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
There were some people I used to hate. Usually, they were people who hurt those I cared about, people who were helpless and unable to defend themselves. It started back in junior high school and continued into my early 30s. The most intense hatred was reserved for those who hurt my wife, my children, and innocent children in general. Around the age of 33, I realized the hate was weighing me down and draining the life out of me. It needed to be nurtured and fed to stay alive. I was convicted by scripture about the damage hatred and unforgiveness do to the one harboring them. The target of the hate rarely even knows about it. The cure for my hatred was actually simple. With no feeling behind it, I began starting my day by praying for that person. Not long prayers or with great emotion, but consistently. Over time, it changed me. That’s right, it didn’t affect them, but it changed me. It also reminded me that love is seldom a feeling; it is more often an action. Occasionally, I would seek out the person and pursue reconciliation, but only with God’s prompting. More often, I just prayed and moved on. Perhaps those daily prayers were love. I certainly love knowing I’m being prayed for, whatever the motivation. I pray for three such people each morning now. You’re not one of them 😊. Today, pray and forgive. #BeTheEdge
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” Jesus
