Love Your Enemies

Good Morning Family:

I know I have talked about this before, but it seems be something I need to continue to focus on.

As you all know there has been a person in my life that has been a thorn in my side for many years. It takes all that I have sometimes to even be pleasant to this person. I imagine it will take me years and years of continued struggle to do what we have been commanded to do, as stated in Matthew 5:44-45

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 

Recently, I had a run in with this person and he/she was saying some things about me and my family that were less than pleasant and actually hurt. They stirred up some anger in my heart and I knew immediately I needed to get down on my knees and pray for the strength to follow the guidance in these verses.

I discussed it with Ryan, and you all know him well enough to know that he wanted to confront this person and was angry about what he had heard. I told him that we should just let it be and know who we are and not worry about the hurtful words that were being said. I told him we needed to turn the other cheek to avoid adding fuel to the already blazing fire.

Once I asked Heavenly Father for comfort and realized I had forgiven this person I felt an instant relief. I am so grateful to have the ability to communicate with our Heavenly Father and for his constant guidance. I am grateful for this gospel that gives us that truth and knowledge.

I love you all and hope you can love your enemies just as much as you love your closest friends and family.

Love, Jenn