The Refining Fire of Relationships
Have you ever encountered someone who seems to push all the wrong buttons? You’re not alone. Despite our best efforts to love and accept them as brothers and sisters in Christ, their personalities can grate on our nerves. We may even pray for God to help us see them through His eyes, hoping our attitude will shift. Yet, every interaction with them leaves us feeling frustrated and on edge.
The Challenge of Loving Difficult People
Loving one another is a fundamental aspect of our faith, as Jesus commanded in Mark 12:31. So, why do we struggle to love those who rub us the wrong way? Perhaps it’s because God is still refining us, or them, through these challenging relationships. As we focus on the speck in someone else’s eye, we often overlook the log in our own (Matthew 7:3). Difficult people can bring out the worst in us, revealing our own flaws and insecurities.
Mirrors of Our Own Faults
Sometimes, the traits that irritate us in others are eerily similar to our own shortcomings. Or, they may remind us of someone who hurt us in the past. Could it be that God is using these difficult relationships to mold us, correct our misconceptions, and build His love into our hearts? This love isn’t based on actions or words, but on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
A Sword to Cut Away the Old
The person who sets us on edge may be the very instrument God uses to cut away the things that hold us back from spiritual growth. Rather than reacting in frustration, we can choose to turn to God for discernment and guidance. As we call upon the Holy Spirit, we can ask Him to sharpen us, mold us, and guide us to act in love, rather than react in anger.
A Prayer for Discernment
Father God, when someone rubs us the wrong way, help us to turn to You for wisdom and guidance. As we seek to love as Jesus commanded, pour Your Holy Spirit into our hearts, refining us and molding us into the image of Your Son. Amen.
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