Sometimes you receive news that makes you disappointed.
Sometimes the news is just another in a series of disappointments that originate from one particular person, but it seems like a deeper blow somehow. Like the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.
And you get angry. Really, angry.
You stew about it.
You can’t sleep.
Before you know it, you find yourself randomly imagining scenarios in which this person doesn’t exist, or even comes to harm.
Then, shocked at how far your mind can go, and how quickly, you hear a little voice come from nowhere, a catch phrase that was plastered on everything from coffee mugs to bumper stickers.
What would Jesus do?
So, your mind answers with what He did.
He loved His enemies.
He prayed for them as He was hanging on a cross by their hands.
And you realize that if you don’t do the same, the bitter root that has started in the depths of your heart will grow and take over, eventually ripping your heart right in two.
So you pray for that person.
You pray for yourself and the others affected.
You pray every time the disappointment creeps back in.
And you lay a gnarled and ugly root at the foot of a Cross, allowing your lightened heart to rest.
“To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person.” Luke 6:27 MSG
“Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time.” Hebrews 12:15 MSG
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” Ephesians 4:31 ESV