matthew: 5: 43-45 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.

when was the last time you prayed for someone that treats you badly... 

I admit it is easier to love someone who loves you back.. it is very hard to be kind to someone who treats you badly.. lies about you.. 

we have a woman at church who truly just hates me.. she is an old woman.. many people don't like her.. she is rude and hateful.. and she talks badly about me.. and I strive to speak and say hello to her with a smile every time I see her.. just because I am thinking there is something wrong that makes her so terrible.. 

now we have another old woman.. she used to be very close to me.. invited me to her house for dinner on holidays.. all in one day she decided she didn't like her husband to hug me.. (insert serious look of confusion) now we are talking about an old man.. easily 75 or more.. do you really think I am looking at your man?? come on now.. clearly you have been infiltrated by the enemy in your mind if that is your thought... anyways.. now she treats me badly.. and I find it very hard to pray for her.. to be nice to her.. even to speak to her.. because she turned on me all at once over nothing.. and it hurt my feelings.. I am nothing if I am not loyal.. sheesh.. even if your man was young I wouldn't look at him.. 

why is it we can pray for someone who is all out hateful.. but not someone who has turned on us or hurt us.... 

change me Lord.. help me to see people through your eyes.. and pray for them with your heart.. love them with your heart.. amen..