Choosing to love was difficult.
I had a distressing work relationship with one of my coworkers, who often poorly treated me and others in the office. My feelings became borderline hateful after he brought one of my coworkers to tears over falsehoods he spread about her. Frustrated by his behavior, I caught myself frequently wishing ill upon him. Knowing my attitude was wrong, I mustered a simple prayer and asked God to help me love him.
Although my heart didn’t undergo an immediate transformation, as I continued to seek God’s help, God softened my attitude, helping me to see my coworker in a new light. Instead of grumbling about him and pointing out his problematic behavior and treatment of others, I prayed for him. I asked God to work in his heart and mine too.
I intentionally showed my coworker grace, kindness, and care. While I had to adopt a fake-it-till-you-make-it approach at first, in time, God helped me feel genuine care and concern for my coworker—a byproduct of a changed heart, only possible through God’s help.
The world will know we are followers of Christ through our love. As we show kindness and love toward even the most challenging or frustrating people, we follow Christ’s example. He loved us so much that He gave His life for us, offering a path to forgiveness and redemption.
Loving our enemies and those who hurt us is daunting, but God will help us when we make an effort.
Who are some people you need to choose to love?
(photo courtesy of pixabay.com.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Emily Marszalek enjoys the simple pleasures in life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband Nick and their two Goldendoodles, Charlie and Lucy. She loves jigsaw puzzles, animals, rock music, and all flavors of birthday cake.