Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. –Luke 6:28 NIV
Have people ever decided not to like you without even trying to get to know you? They might see you talking to someone they don’t like and decide that you must be an enemy too. You are condemned without a trial. Would you be offended or be unfriendly in return? Would you try to defend yourself? Would you go and confront the person? There are many choices, but only one of them is God’s way. Luke 6:28 (NIV) shows us God’s way, “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Our flesh doesn’t want to do it God’s way; it wants revenge. Matthew 5:9 (NIV) says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” So, what do you do? You could buy the person a gift, something very personal. You could write an encouraging note. How about an invitation to go to coffee so you can get to know each other better. What do all of these ideas have in common? You are showing God’s grace and love. God’s ways are always the best ways.
Offenses come to us all.
Pray that you’ll be wise enough to return a blessing for a curse. Hurt people hurt people. Be the person who gives grace, forgiveness, and love. Plant seeds of kindness.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/6"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]