DID YOU SAY CALM DOWN?!?!?!?!?!

How often do we encounter someone we do not “mesh with” or even like a little bit? Sometimes it is a direct result of something that may have happened or sometimes it is just chemistry. According to the gospel, we are called to love. Galatians 5:22 provides us with the fruits of the SPIRIT so that we are empowered to manage ill feelings, correct?

Driving down the road and being cut-off by a careless driver does not provide for us a reason to shout and be rude to that person. Being faced with someone who exhibits attributes that clearly “tick” us off, does not give us license to judge or be cruel. Dealing with someone who practices life differently does not give us a pulpit to stand on and lecture or give unwarranted advice?

Jesus saved the adulteress; the murderer; the prostitutes, and the tax-collector. He loved them and he loves us. He loves me when I am at my worst. Thank GOD. I do not even like myself at those times.

So if we are feeling something less than love; what are we to do? If we really do not like someone, how do we handle it? GOD calls us to love. Take a step back, breathe, ask GOD to step in. Ask for HIS strength to replace your weakness. Easier said than done, OF COURSE! That is why we have JESUS! WE are not alone.

PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! for that ex-husband, the friend who betrayed you, the thief who stole, the drunk driver who killed, and the abuser who abused you. One step in love today will free your tomorrow of hate and contempt; which incidentally causes nothing but harm to yourself. Can you do it? Will you do it? And….. Who knows, your kindness to the unkind could be the very thing, moment that brings them to the arms of JESUS! Mission accomplished!

---