"It's Possible to Love People Without Liking Them." A Man Gives His Spiritual Story

[mdgspencer]

see catholictranscript.org/columns/bill-dunn/4920-it-s-possible-to-love-people-without-liking-them.html

I remember years ago when I first heard Jesus’ command: “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” I immediately thought to myself, “Are you kidding, Jesus? How can I love people who are total jerks and cause me so much trouble?”

Jesus is God, and therefore all-knowing, but sometimes I wondered if he had lost sight of the fact that during a typical day, I had to deal with so many unlovable bozos.

 

[friardchips]

see catholictranscript.org/columns/bill-dunn/4920-it-s-possible-to-love-people-without-liking-them.html

I remember years ago when I first heard Jesus’ command: “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” I immediately thought to myself, “Are you kidding, Jesus? How can I love people who are total jerks and cause me so much trouble?”

Jesus is God, and therefore all-knowing, but sometimes I wondered if he had lost sight of the fact that during a typical day, I had to deal with so many unlovable bozos.

Good reflection for Lent.

This is the line between following Christ or following justice (incl. on a personal level) in the worldly way. The easiest solution is to get angry and to bite, or fight back (even in one’s mind). Jesus gives us another way. Not fighting, only because people don’t measure up to what we expect, but fighting for what’s right with pure intentions. Anger is not a bad emotion but what we do with it is the ultimate fork in the road. The moment we think of others as stupid, we immediately come face-to-face with our own faults and failings. Better to pray and be silent than to be a hypocrite.

 

[acadiANNA]

We are commanded to love one another. That means seeing Jesus in everyone, know that God made this person just as he made you, look at the good in them. Have patience and tolerance of one another. We are all in this world together. What worked for me many times: There is an office grump, always complaining. I was able to ignore the flaws as we all have them. Being kind even though someone is rude to you is loving one another. You are responsible for your own behavior. Make it pleasing to God. You don’t have to be a doormat or a yes person. Sometimes you have to stand up for yourself but in a respectful way. Not everyone is going to speak or behave the way you would like them to. Act justly. It’s between you and God, not between you and the bozos. No one on earth is perfect. I am praying now for a person who takes issue with everyone and everything. I love this person but I don’t like what she does. And, no one can get through to her. She enjoys wreaking havoc. When shown the error of her ways, she is too proud to apologize or admit she is wrong. Only prayers can help her. Just random thoughts. God bless you.