In chapel a little girl prayed, "Dear Lord, help us to love those who we do not like at all." She had just refused to give the basket ball to a little boy who then stuck his tongue out at her in defiance. She stood her ground because it was not his turn, it was her turn. Her feelings about him changed when he was rude to her. She wanted to love him with Christianian love and knew Jesus would help her and help others.
Our faith teaches us that loving one another is not just a suggestion but a commandment. It is a divine calling that challenges us to love as Jesus loves. Jesus helps us to find a quality in the other person which we can encourage, hoping that through encouragement he will be more Christ like.
And yet, when we are facing feelings of dislike or resentment towards others, our choice to pray may transform our hearts. By seeking guidance and strength through prayer, we open ourselves up to see others as Christ sees them.
Our Lord changes hearts into His likeness. We remember that each individual may bring a unique perspective and richness to the tapestry of humanity. Also, learning to love those who are different from us, we expand our understanding of the world and deepen our capacity for compassion.
Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in My Name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in My Name you ask Me for anything, I will do it. John 14:12-14
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