Wednesday, January 6, 2010

I Hate You!

I hate you! Have you ever said those three words to someone? Have you ever thought those three words about someone? What did that person do to make you so mad that it stirred negative emotions this strong within you? Have you since made up with that person or are you still holding a grudge?

Some people get over things pretty easily, others take a long time to cool off. Some never really get over it. They seem to be able to hold a grudge for the rest of their lives. Has anyone ever upset you this badly that you just could not get over it and you are still holding onto whatever made you this mad? Maybe you don't want to be mad anymore but you just can't seem to let it go. Maybe you don't want to get to over it. Maybe you're perfectly happy being angry with the person who upset you.

Whichever person describes you, if you are a Christian, you still have a Christian duty. Regardless of how you feel about that person, God still expects you to be obedient to Him and fulfill your duty to Him. And what is that duty? "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who abuse you"- Luke 6:27-28.

Pray for the person who makes you so angry. I know you don't want to. I know its hard. I know every cell in you screams against it. But, try it. Try it for just thirty days. You really don't have anything to lose, do you? The only thing that might stop you is stubbornness, isn't it? Pray for this enemy for thirty days. Pray for his health, his relationships, his job, his spiritual walk, and whatever else the Lord leads you to pray about for him. Be faithful to God for thirty days in prayer for this person and then see how you feel about him after the month is up.

Remember, if you don't pray for this person, you are not punishing him... you are being disobedient to God. So, hit your knees and see what happens.