By Nancy Virden (c)2024

I was 23. My husband and I had moved to Kansas, 1100 miles from everything we had known.

One man who attended the little church we joined was obnoxious, bossy, ill-mannered, and did not seem to be doing right by his wife. My dislike for him turned to repulsion and then hate. Seeing him from across the room one afternoon, I wished he was gone from our church. The Lord asked me, “Do you hate him so much you would see him in hell?” I had to say no. I do not wish for anyone to spend eternity in hell. I learned the difference between strong dislike and hate.

Then I started praying for him – not that he would change for my comfort but that God would bless him. God’s blessings include his gracious way of drawing us into change. He makes believers more like Jesus. I prayed this man would get his home project done the way he wanted it, and be blessed in his family.

Jesus taught us to love our enemies and to pray for those who despitefully use us. That was not even my problem with this man. I needed to grow up spiritually and repent of my attitude.

Forgiveness came when I started to bless this awkward person. He did not become a pal, however I did not hate him anymore. I had peace of mind.

God’s process of doing things is quite against the norm. It is radical and weird. Nonetheless, it works for us spiritually, and for our mental health.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Matthew 6: 10-13

Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon.May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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