It is easy to love those who love us, but much harder to love those who persecute us. These enemies may attack us physically, intellectually, emotionally, or spiritually. In the face of such assaults it is difficult to recognize our foes as fellow children of God and co-bearers of the Divine Image. However, these are the people in our lives most in need of charity. They are the ones who test the mettle of our love. Is our charity weak and brittle and unable to withstand the resistance of others? Or is it strong and durable? It is up to us to decide. That being said, we must recognize that we cannot win over the hearts of all our enemies with love. Sometimes it is best for us to retreat from someone who is mistreating us and pray for them from a distance. Prudence should guide our love so that we recognize when a relationship is too toxic for our own good. But that is the wonderful thing about prayer and love, they can be offered even from afar.
Who are the people in our lives whom we have the most difficulty loving? What can we do to love them in spite of our antagonistic relationships? Are we willing to sacrifice our pride in order to love our enemies?
O Lord, help us to love our enemies and pray for them for even they are your beloved children.
Amen.
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