by Elizabeth Haarberg

Our greatest challenge

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“It’s easy to love ___________.”

I can insert:

“people who love me.”

“coaches who treat my children with respect and care.”

“parents who embrace my children and even love their quirks.”

It’s hard to love people who are rigid, unkind, or just downright mean. I have an easier time putting up with those who treat me this way, but if they treat my child like that, I really struggle to forgive.

“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”
Matthew 5:44

Jesus instructs us to love ALL, but if you have children, I would wager it’s more difficult. The protector in me wants to take down anyone who hurts them. But when I stop, I realize my children are also being refined by the world. The hurt and pain they experience is important to their development, just like it is to me. I need difficult people to shape me and make me more compassionate.

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
Matthew 5:21-22

Restraining the words I would like to say is a big challenge at times. I’m better the closer I’ve gotten to Christ, but I still want to speak my own opinion, not God’s opinion.

Prayer and gaining perspective of life on Earth helps me regain peace and composure.

I challenge you to find one person that has rubbed you wrong or treated your child with contempt. Love them the way Christ does. Post how the experience went in the comments if you would like. It encourages me to hear testimonies of people who overcome.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado