I realized while drafting this, that my example makes me seem like an unethical person, but that not my intent. I merely think the story it fits the post.
Way back in the first grade, I was bullied by a little boy that called me names, pulled at my hair, and altogether made me want to cry. I was new to the school, and all thru elementary I remembered being scared of him.But then he moved away. Not far, by any standards, but still at enough of a distance that he was sent to a different, closer elementary.
But lately, I've seen him again. Never in a situation where we were to talk, but still there, close enough to make me slightly uncomfortable. Add that to the fact that I am the type of person that holds door out for people often, and you have the perfect recipe for me having to show this said person kindness.
So was the case just the other day. I could hear his distinct voice behind me, talking to someone or another, as we approached the top of the stairwell... I didn't like this situation and against my usual actions, I found myself thinking that it would be so much more satisfying to ensure the doors closure, maybe say some rude remark just to serve him right.
But I didnt. I held the door, like a mature person and he muttered "thank you". No worries; the world clearly didn't end.
I say all that to say how the situation made me think of how the Bible tells us to love our enemies, pray for them, and "kill them with kindness" so to speak. You can read such instruction in places such as Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:35, and Romans 12:17;1 9-20.
No one said that choosing love is always easy, we just know that it is always best.
PS: I'm not only holding my weekly linky Friday, but opening a giveaway, too!
Way back in the first grade, I was bullied by a little boy that called me names, pulled at my hair, and altogether made me want to cry. I was new to the school, and all thru elementary I remembered being scared of him.But then he moved away. Not far, by any standards, but still at enough of a distance that he was sent to a different, closer elementary.
But lately, I've seen him again. Never in a situation where we were to talk, but still there, close enough to make me slightly uncomfortable. Add that to the fact that I am the type of person that holds door out for people often, and you have the perfect recipe for me having to show this said person kindness.
So was the case just the other day. I could hear his distinct voice behind me, talking to someone or another, as we approached the top of the stairwell... I didn't like this situation and against my usual actions, I found myself thinking that it would be so much more satisfying to ensure the doors closure, maybe say some rude remark just to serve him right.
But I didnt. I held the door, like a mature person and he muttered "thank you". No worries; the world clearly didn't end.
I say all that to say how the situation made me think of how the Bible tells us to love our enemies, pray for them, and "kill them with kindness" so to speak. You can read such instruction in places such as Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:35, and Romans 12:17;1 9-20.
No one said that choosing love is always easy, we just know that it is always best.
PS: I'm not only holding my weekly linky Friday, but opening a giveaway, too!
