February 15 -
The best way to destroy an enemy is to change him into a friend.
The best way to destroy an enemy is to change him into a friend.
Have you ever had someone hate you or try to hurt you? "Yes" you say, well me too. I believe everyone at one point in their lives have been hurt. We must all find a way to move on because life doesn't truly slow down or stop for anyone.
When I read this quote today my twisted "natural man" thoughts smiled at the possibility of "I'll show them," and "who needs them anyway." Then the influence of the Holy Ghost prompted this thought - PRAY. Then I remembered simultaneously two separate times when my family and I were hated, violated, and hurt. In both times we couldn't walk away or hide nor even safely or productively confront these people. The later of the two incidents we even had to involve the police. But not enough good or healing could be made until we began to access the power of the gift of the atonement through prayer.
Through prayer I found strength to ask for a portion of Heavenly Father's love so that I too could feel love for this person and a desire to act kindly. These prayers were answered quickly but shortly afterward my time with this person ended with her moving. And through prayer I was able to ask for help not to hate or be bitter, to find protection, and be able to look at the other person in the eyes and not feel pain, disgust or even feel creepy. It took some time but I found success in these prayers - I wanted to forgive and I forgave. The thought or sight of him doesn't upset me and I feel pity for him.
How can we destroy our enemies? Turn them into our friends. I know this is possible through the power of Christ's atonement for each of us. I'm sure it isn't easy. I didn't progress that far but found the ability to not hate or hurt and ended on neutral ground of not counting them as my enemy.
When I read this quote today my twisted "natural man" thoughts smiled at the possibility of "I'll show them," and "who needs them anyway." Then the influence of the Holy Ghost prompted this thought - PRAY. Then I remembered simultaneously two separate times when my family and I were hated, violated, and hurt. In both times we couldn't walk away or hide nor even safely or productively confront these people. The later of the two incidents we even had to involve the police. But not enough good or healing could be made until we began to access the power of the gift of the atonement through prayer.
Through prayer I found strength to ask for a portion of Heavenly Father's love so that I too could feel love for this person and a desire to act kindly. These prayers were answered quickly but shortly afterward my time with this person ended with her moving. And through prayer I was able to ask for help not to hate or be bitter, to find protection, and be able to look at the other person in the eyes and not feel pain, disgust or even feel creepy. It took some time but I found success in these prayers - I wanted to forgive and I forgave. The thought or sight of him doesn't upset me and I feel pity for him.
How can we destroy our enemies? Turn them into our friends. I know this is possible through the power of Christ's atonement for each of us. I'm sure it isn't easy. I didn't progress that far but found the ability to not hate or hurt and ended on neutral ground of not counting them as my enemy.
