More from Carol McCracken

God’s word has an uncanny way of being consistent. When I wrote “How Unfair!” I was dealing with a woman who I felt was causing problems and stirring up trouble. My husband reminded me that God loves her just as much as God loves me. I wrote that I remain a work in progress—and yes, I still am.

The same woman continues to stir the pot, and I continue my prayers to ask God to let me see her as he sees her. Sometimes, I actually can! I see a most unhappy person who needs love. I’m grateful that I don’t have to rely on my own strength because I would fail in my sense of justice. And I also continue to learn that asking God for help in this matter is not a “one and done” thing. I have to keep asking. This, in turn, reminds me of how much I depend on God. There is no room for self-sufficiency here. I don’t like her; I won’t probably ever like her. Yet, that is not what God is asking me to do. God calls me to love her—even when I feel persecuted by her behavior. Love is an action. God’s sense of justice is different from mine. She remains a creation of God and is therefore worthy of respect.

I was glad to read many comments in which you all could relate to what a challenge this is. It is especially hard when continuous bad behavior is involved, isn’t it? I suspect God doesn’t love their bad behavior either, but I am reminded that God loved us while we were yet still sinners. Ouch. If God did it for us, there is still hope for our persecuting enemies. And when we mess up, as we most certainly will, I’m sure we are grateful for God’s mercy and grace. I hope you’ll continue to pray for me.