Choose How to Fight Your Battles

   For it is not an enemy who taunts me—
        then I could bear it;
    it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—
        then I could hide from him.
    But it is you, a man, my equal,
        my companion, my familiar friend.

Psalm 55:12-13 

It seems that all too often our greatest battles come from interaction with those closest to us--mates, or sons or daughters, parents, bosses, co-workers, long-time friends, or someone we have helped.  (Did I leave out the one that you have battled with?  Go ahead; insert it here .............!)

David had the advantage of asking God to eliminate those who turned on him, in very descriptive terms, I might add.  I don't see New Covenant Christians as  having that privilege.  Matthew 5:44 tells us. "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you ..."

If you ever feel rejected, like Snoopy in the cartoon, or used, or cursed, or persecuted by others, especially those with whom you are in close relationship--just remember that our Lord Jesus willingly gave up His life for those wretched people--and you, too, for that matter.  In fact, His response to His enemies even on the cross was,  "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."(Luke 23:34)

If His Holy Spirit dwells in you, then you can forgive.  You can go the extra mile and try to work things through.  You can pursue the loved one, the cheating boss, the unfaithful friend.  Or you can just love from a distance if he or she does not respond to you, and you can pray.  Thank God for prayer!

Have a joy-filled week,

Gloria