Hurting?

Unless we happen to be hermits never associating with anyone, we all are involved one way or another in human relations. As we all know, some of these relationships are more challenging than others and there are some people we'd rather not be around at all. It probably would also be fair to say that there are even some people that we might consider enemies.

While these people may not be enemy combatants in military terms, they may at times appear to be more bent on causing us grief of one kind or another, or in a more subtle manner, take every opportunity to paint us in a less than favourable light. I'm sure, for example, that most of us could recall a person or persons in a church situation that seemed to go out of their way to either give us a hard time for no apparent reason, or were just plain gruff and miserable especially when we were required to work alongside them. To say that their presence was enjoyable would be the same as saying that you love to eat raw onions for lunch.
No matter how much you love God the hurt remains from those attacks. You probably still remember back in your high school or grade school days, someone who revelled in pushing you around (physically or mentally), ridiculing you whenever they could find a welcoming ear, or persuading all their friends that you were unworthy of their inner circle. Sometimes the devil attacks me with memories of those that tried to harm me in the churches I served more than those that loved me. It's not a good place to be in when that happens.
Life is full of people that cause us stress. So what is the answer or approach one should take in any of these situations? The first obvious reaction might be to lash out; to retaliate in some way; or, to enlist the help of some of your closest friends to give back what you were given.
But, is this what you should do?

Jesus said in Matthew 5: 44, "But, I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!" That's easier said than done especially when it's people you love that do the hurting. As much as you want revenge or justification for what they did to you, Jesus wants to let you know those that try to harm you need your love and prayers more than you realize.

Jesus has the ultimate power to rectify any situation; more power than any one of us. Trust Him and give your concerns to Him. Whatever is happening in your life, God will work it to your advantage. It may seem hopeless or unfair, but if you love Him and trust His plan, you will see the truth of it. God’s primary will for your life is not the circumstances you inhabit, but it's the person you become when facing the adversaries of your life.