“Brace yourself. Vengeance is coming.”
Goodness and self-control were not on my mind. I was famished and exhausted from work. I just wanted to eat and go home quickly. However, someone cut in front of me. “The gall of this man to steal my privilege.” I am peaceful and patient, most of the time. I would rather be shortchanged than defend myself.
But my fist tightened hard like a mace, my head burned like fiery embers, and my heart raced like the charge of war horses. I knew he would suffer the wrath of a tired and hungry wage worker. My fury would be unleashed, but not today.
Often when we hear or read about love, we hear about extending charity to those who are impoverished or ill, or to those with whom we have affinity. However, our kindness should also extend to those who hurt or offend us, as Jesus stated.
Later, I discovered that this man had taken my place because he wanted to sit beside the driver. As I judged his boorishness, I felt something else inside me—sympathy, pity, and heartfelt regard for his despondency. Instead of anger and bitterness, I felt sadness and wanted to understand the plight that drove him to lose his civility.
What I felt was unnatural but truly spiritual. I remembered what the Lord Jesus stated (Luke 6:27-28). To love those who antagonize us is counterintuitive, defying human instinct. When we choose to do good to those who pain or aggrieve us, we embody the same grace that God extends toward us. This act of love requires us to bless those who hurt us.
Such behavior is rooted in the character of God Himself. By responding with love rather than retaliation, we become instruments of His peace and grace. Through our actions, we can witness transformative power in both our lives and the lives of others.
Forget who you are. You are called not just to endure hostility but to respond with Christ-like love.
Jonnie Anzures is a writer.