Thursday; February 13

Who is “that” person in your life?  You know the one – the one you can’t seem to get along with … the one that, whenever you think about them, you grow angry or worried.  While I would like to think that we have moved passed this in our lives, most of us still have a person (or two) we would consider our nemesis.  Some might be considered full-fledged enemies, but many might just be a consistent thorn in our sides.  Whether we dislike them or they just get under our skin, most of us have people who can ruin our mood just by thinking about them.

Okay, now that we have described these folks, the big question is what are we going to do about them?  I guess it is possible to constantly avoid them or maybe even move away from them, but that typically isn’t practical and may be a bit overkill … so how can we live with them around us?  There are a variety of ways to deal with people we don’t get along with, but the New Testament has a novel way of approaching it – service.  Paul began this concept by advocating, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (Romans 12:14), then adds, “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. ‘But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19-21).  How many of us have spent years trying to defeat our nemesis; but to no avail?  The problem with this approach is that when we let them get to us, we give them some sense of control over our lives.  They are not only a thorn in our side, but have begun taking up residence our heads.  When we take the initiative to serve them, we regain control over our own emotions.

I hope you have few challenging people in your life; however, if you do have someone, why not try Paul’s way?  I doubt that it will turn out any worse than it already is today.

Think About It!


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