Live a Life of Love

Recently I encountered a situation in which an old “enemy”, as some would call her, appeared suddenly in my life. This person had hurt me in various ways throughout junior high and high school. I found some old feelings of damage and pain resurfacing even after five years. My attitude was that of bitterness and as she uttered hello, I boiled with horrible pain. I nodded my head and ignored her for the rest of the awkward encounter. I even went outside to rant and rave on the phone about her showing up.

After she left a friend asked, “What is your problem with her?” I went off listing all the things she has done to me throughout school. With disbelief, the table listened and it was as if I felt some vindication, some satisfaction in proclaiming these mistakes she had made, these pains she had caused me.

Later in private, Willy confronted me on the incident and as we talked, I began to feel conviction in my heart. The next day, I was reading the Bible and a book called the Organic God, I felt God speaking to me about my actions and words. I began to read Ephesians 4, verses 29-32 read,

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all the bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

That passage hit me like a truck. Although I hadn’t been cursing or really speaking hatred about this person, I still felt that God was telling me my attitude was wrong. I stopped what I was doing and began to pray for her. I also prayed for forgiveness, and prayed that God would remove the pains and bitterness I felt. The Lord began pressing my heart to pray for other people I had bad feelings towards. So I did. One by one I blessed those who had hurt me by name. I prayed blessings for their lives, their families, and that they would know God.

I picked up my Bible again a continued to read Ephesians and stopped at a phrase that stuck out– “live a life of love.” I thought about the impression I must have made on this girl and the other people there. Did I leave an impression of love, an impression of Christ?

No. Instead I left one of slander, bitterness and pain. And out the window went my opportunity to be a witness, to share the love of Christ with others. I could’ve of given a God response (being kind, loving and friendly) but I let my human emotions take over. Again, I asked the Lord to forgive me of my folly.

I now pray for her and others every day. I want to live a life of love and share it with others, plain and simple. Just as God has forgiven me, I must forgive others. Not only that, but I must be an example of Christ’s love in my words and actions all the time.


Comment question:
Have you ever been in a situation like this?
How can you show God's love to everyone you come in contact with?