A Time for Bold Prayers

“Love one another as I have loved you.” -John 15:12

I say, “Up,” and he says, “Down.” I say, “Go,” and she says, “Stop.” Ever know folks that you’d rather avoid if you can because they contradict you all the time?

Some people are just not very nice to be around. Like maybe those in-laws who criticize everything we do. Or a parent, sibling, or child who drives us crazy turning each conversation into an argument. Or the spouse who is sarcastic and negative, and not at all like the fine prince or princess that we fell in love with years ago.

Some people are just difficult to deal with and can exhaust my energy and patience. It is in these situations that I want to scream about how unfair life is. How I feel beaten down by such drama.

Sometimes I am tempted to ask God to just zap people with a “goodness” stick, just so we can all get along. I know that seems a bit ridiculous, but wouldn’t it be great if it was just that easy?

But God is not a magician or genie who grants us wishes. God is loving and full of mercy, and always offers me a choice. My way or God’s way; I get to choose.

God’s gospel of peace tells me that as His child I am called to be salt and light in the world, and to proclaim God’s peace. Like salt, I am to heal, and like light, I am to shine God’s love into a dark world. I am called to practice the beauty of Christ-like love. It’s a love that was shaped by the ugliness of Christ’s death on a cross.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,” (John 3:16) to suffer and die for my sins. That makes it personal, and for sure my God is a personal and relational being who calls me to be in relationship. Not only with Him, but also with others. And if that’s not enough, I am commanded in John 15:12 to, “Love one another as I have loved you.”