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.