At several stages of life, we all have been a victim of hurt from those we love to everyday experiences with familiar strangers, but how do we react to them? Is it truly possible to love the unlovable?
Short answer: Hmm. I mean…possible? Yeah! Tough? Absolutely!
The Book of Matthew:
Matthew 5:44 reads: “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
When I first read this (at a much younger age), my initial response was “HOW?!”
As the human being that we are, blessing those that curse us and doing good to those that hate us is not an instinct that comes naturally. As a matter of fact, our first instinct is to fight back: physically, verbally, spiritually, and every other means possible.
But in the Book of Matthew, we are given instructions to do just the opposite: to love back, to bless back, to do good, and to pray for them. To achieve this, it takes time and a great deal of self-discipline. The best way I know of is to pray to God to bestow upon you the spirit of self control when you find yourself in that very moment of trying so hard to bite your tongue.
Put It to Practice:
As I continue to put to practice the instructions of Matthew 5:44, I can’t help but observe that showing kindness to people when they are being nasty towards me leave them perplexed. I have refused to allow their negative energy interrupt my positive energy. Instead of reciprocating their curse and hate, I tend to bless and show kindness. And they always stand in awe with the expression that reads “what just happened!?”
Similarly, Luke 6:27-28 instructs almost the same exact words as Matthew 5:44. If it is difficult for you; start with yourself. Love yourself, be kind to yourself, forgive yourself, and pray for yourself. Eventually, progress to your family and loved ones that have hurt you in the past or present. Finally, progress to the strangers you encounter daily that may treat you wrongly or hate you for ab-solute-ly no reason.
In Conclusion:
In doing so, remember, you are doing it more so for yourself than for the receiver. Because “every one of us shall give account of him/[her]self to God” Romans 14:12.
Galatians 6:9 reminds us to “not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.”
In due time, God will repay you according to your deeds. And I assure you, a Godly-reward is a grand and long-lasting reward.
#TheSunshinethAgain!
The Sun Shineth Again! 
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