paravanes:meditations

(c) Deborah Evans In Matthew 5:44-48, Jesus tells his followers to "Pray for those who despitefully use you." Why would anyone does this? What possible benefit could come to the person who prays for someone who despitefully (with malice, cruelty, and harmful intent) used them? When Jesus tells us to do something, there is a benefit in following his directions. Sometimes insight comes after obeying in faith. Beyond this, consider what Jesus did not say . He did not say "try to win them over." Nor did he say "prove they're wrong and you're right"; nor did he say "get even", nor did he say "live in fear of them", nor did he say "endure constant mistreatment and abuse." He tells disciples to pray for despiteful users because there are some benefits coming to us when we follow Jesus' instructions on this. 1. You free yourself from the negative energy someone tried to leave at your doorstep, in your heart and mind, or in...

Are you estranged from a family member, or feel on the verge of becoming estranged from a family member? Do you feel it's time to put real and feel-able space between yourself and a family member? Are you tired of trying to adjust to a family member's anger, dysfunction, or endless drama? Are you dealing with a family member who always promises to change, but can't or won't follow through? Are you tired of crying over hurts inflicted by someone who is related to you and you feel should love you? How long have you tried to change someone who isn't motivated to change? Have you spent too much time (only you know how long is "too much time") praying for a family member to change in a way that will make it easier, or possible, for you to get along with them and spend time with them free of arguing, extreme stress, and frustration? Are you measuring love based on how much time you can spend happily with someone? Are you feeling pressured to adjust to so...