We used to have a neighbor in one place we lived who did ugly things for no reason. She planted thorn bushes right at edge of our driveway so when we opened car door it would be hard to not scratch it. This same lady claimed our fence was on her land. The previous owner had installed this fence. On and on the things like this went. To your face she was nice but behind your back she would hire lawyers and try to cause trouble. Nothing ever came from it as she was in the wrong and just trying to create trouble.
This irritated my husband but I would tell him God had allowed her to be our neighbor for a reason, maybe to teach us how to get along with those hard to love. I would say, "Pray for those who spitefully use you and abuse you." Human nature wants to fight back but God's response is to ignore the offense and show love.
Do you have someone in your life who is hard to love at times? Maybe a co-worker, friend, or even a family member? God wants us to be gracious and loving and not stoop to same level as the one being mean. In Matthew 5:43-48 it says,"You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.' You will not humanly feel like praying for those who hurt you so you have to ask God to help you. Say Lord " help me see these people through your loving eyes."
A good verse to help you to not get mad is James 1:19 which says, " My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.' I often write that along with 1 Corinthians 13 verses on wedding cards as a reminder to the starry eyed bride and groom that things happen and remember to respond in love. So choose to stay calm and ask God for help or choose to cause strife and give Satan glory by arguing. It is as simple as that. This anger thing could even be to not overreact to tailgaters who cut you off and are just plain rude. Show love. Counteract the ugliness with good. "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."(Proverbs 15:1) PRAYER: Father help me respond in love to those people around me who may do something mean or ugly. Help me not dwell on it and try to get back at them or stoop to their level and continue to let the anger fester. Help me to forgive even when someone does not know they hurt me. Help me Lord to love the unlovely and see them through your eyes. In Jesus name. Amen!
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