There are people in life, even those we may love dearly or live with closely, who we sometimes find ourselves “at odds” with at any particular moment or situation. There are many other people in our life who we most definitely find ourselves “at odds” with over a particular issue or opinion. We have been reminded (and continually need to be reminded!) throughout this year that these moments, issues, or people are no exception to our commandment from Jesus to “love one another”.
I don’t know who you are “at odds” with at this moment. Maybe it’s your spouse or your child as your struggle with stress that you bring home (or keep home if you’re not leaving much!). Maybe it’s the education system that has changed and turned your world upside down as a parent, as a student, or as an educator. Maybe it’s new and difficult expectations at work, coupled with financial tension. Maybe it’s new guidelines in the medical field or in public that have caused frustration or limitations that have proven challenging.
It’s important that in all of these situations to pause and consider the other perspective. You may have your own stress at home, but your other family members have their own stress as well. Those in the education system and the medical field are bobbing up and down in quickly changing demands. It’s easy to make quick judgments and harsh comments on those we see in a store or those in the public eye. You will not always know the battles that someone else is trying to overcome. But fighting with and judging others has not really proven itself useful when living out the command “love one another.” Instead, we should choose to listen and understand more deeply. Communicate your own needs and worries to trusted individuals. We can still choose kindness in our words and actions to all. We can always pray for one another.
2020 is not a year of perfection, but it’s definitely proven to be a year of perseverance. It’s hard work to be kind and loving, especially when we are “at odds” with another. But it’s important, and it’s necessary. Take a moment to pause and consider someone that you are “at odds” with today. Pray for God to open your heart in grace and your mind in gratitude. Pray for them and then decide on a way that you can show kindness to them in spite of your differences or the difficult moment you may have shared recently. And then you may need to do this again tomorrow or the next day. It’s not only hard work, it’s everyday work. God will strengthen you and guide you, so trust in him. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right in a month, or a week, or even this afternoon. God doesn’t give up on us; He is faithful, so we can continue to persevere in these harder moments. So, take another moment to pause and pray. Express your gratitude to God. Choose kindness. Show grace and love.
– Amy Givens, Director of Youth Ministry
