Say a Prayer

The days of December are quickly slipping by. Have you gotten everything done yet? I would think mos of us would answer no.

As Christmas nears, there seems less joy.

I’m sure we’ve all run into someone who is constantly whining or complaining. It doesn’t matter what might be going on in their lives, they can’t seem to find anything good to say.

True, their circumstances may be difficult. Still, they focus on the negative and refuse to look at anything positive. It’s frustrating to continue encouraging them. Whatever you say, they’ll answer with “Yeah, but …” or ignore your words.

It’s especially difficult during the holidays. Those expectations and misplaced holiday cheer run rampant and that seems to dishearten those already discouraged.

Sometimes, offering the Hope of Christmas to them isn’t enough.

How do you handle that? True, you could go out of your way to ignore that person. You could let them affect your own sense of peace. But what if that person is someone you love or someone you live with?

Too often, we so easily say that the least we can do is pray for someone. The truth is, it’s actually the best we can do for them. And we can continue to just keep loving them. After all, it’s what Jesus would do – for both those whom we love and those who treat us badly. If we do, then we are living the reality of Christmas. If we’re ever going to reach others, it’s through our actions. As the scripture says: Live generously and graciously toward others.

I’m telling you to 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. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you. Matthew 5:44, 47-48, The Message

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