When Its Hard To Love

I'm going to start off with a bit of a rant, that ok?
I feel like I need to get this off my chest. There are people in my life that I just don't get along with. This one person, uses people, and is so ungrateful for what she's given. She lies to people to make them feel sorry for her, and get them to do things for her that she's more than capable doing herself. And then there are people that throw other people under the bus for things they don't want to take credit for, instead of admitting that they made a mistake, they're so quick to place blame on someone else. And these people are so hard to be around, let alone love!

However, I try my best to love them, and be patient with them. Why? Because I'm called to. I have to watch my tounge constantly in conversations when these people are brought up by others wishing to gossip and bash. Because that person frustrates me as well, it's so easy to join in. But as I'm constantly reminded, that's not how I should act. Would I want someone doing this to me behind my back? Of course not! So I bite my tounge (or try to... Work in progress). I'm also reminded how God has been so patient with me, and loved me, and I'm sure at times I was a frustrating to deal with (probably still are) and that is an instant humbling thought. That though we can be some pretty frustrating people, God is patient, kind and loving at all times. And we're called to do the same, even when it's hard. This is something I'm struggling with recently, after noticing myself speaking badly of a person, even though I had a good reason to be mad... It still struck a cord in me that said that was not ok... especially for a person who claims to love God and follow Him. Suprise, surprise! We're supposed to love people, ALL people.

So that being said, I feel like I should leave you some final thoughts instead of just a outpouring of pre-dinner thoughts...

Ephesians 4:2: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." NIV

Proverbs 14:29: "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly" NIV

1 Timothy 1:16: "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life." NIV