How often have we prayed, “Father, help me love everyone I meet today”, only to walk away from our prayer spot and forget we ever asked?
Then someone says something that irritates us…
Then our carefully made plans fall apart…
Then someone repeats what another person has said about us…
Then we feel overlooked, misunderstood, or hurt…
Those little “thens” may be God’s answer to our prayer.
I’ll be honest. My first response isn’t always love.
Sometimes I fuss. Sometimes I fume. Sometimes I can think of a hundred ways to defend myself or get even. That’s usually when I call a trusted friend, spend time in prayer, and listen carefully for God’s voice.
Years ago, I would simmer for a while and then simply let it go. Well…I still simmer once in a while. But I don’t simply let it go anymore.
If the relationship matters, I’ve learned to go to the person and honestly say, “What happened really hurt me.”
Most of the time, we talk, we listen, and we understand each other better. Sometimes we can’t resolve everything, but I’ve learned that love isn’t passive. Love is willing to have difficult conversations with grace.
Jesus said, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)
Perhaps loving like Jesus isn’t found in avoiding conflict.
Perhaps it’s found in choosing kindness, truth, forgiveness, and humility in the middle of it.
So tomorrow morning, when you pray, “Father, help me love everyone today,” don’t be surprised if your first opportunity arrives before breakfast.
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A Satisfied Spirit 
So true! Not the same prayer but similar in the way the Lord answers….I remember asking the Lord many years ago to help me to love, live and breathe His Word. Later, I went through a season of emotional healing and then endured months of heated of warfare. I thought I was going to lose my mind. I fought with the Word and worship. I asked the Lord why it was so hard and He reminded me of that prayer. It was through the battle that I learned to love, live and breath His Word. I wouldn’t want to repeat that season, but I’m thankful for the fruit that came out of it.
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Amen and yes! Through it all I can see you kept Your trust in Him.
Life is tough, but we can’t do it without Him!
Blessings and success to you and yours,
Marie
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This is just what I needed to read today! I want this to be my prayer every day!
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Hi Stacy! I’m glad this resonated with you. I, too, want this to be my daily, person to person practise. And then …
Blessings and success to you and yours!
Marie
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My first response isn’t always love either. God is helping me to not avoid conflict but to listen and understand better than I have in the past. Thank you for writing this beautiful post, encouraged me this morning. Blessings, sweet sister … 💕
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What an honor to be called your sister!
Thanks for visiting!
Blessings to you and yours!
Marie
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I love your post. I’m ready for that person this morning.
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Hi Maree!
Ready is the right word! I want to be ready, too! My prayer is that God with bless us both with reminders that He is loving us in our love for others.
Blessings and success to you and yours!
Marie
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