Luke 6:27

Let's be honest — loving someone who has hurt you might be the hardest thing Jesus ever asked us to do. Maybe it's a family member who betrayed your trust, a coworker who talks about you behind your back, or a friend who simply walked away. Notice that Jesus didn't say feel warm feelings toward them. He said love them — which means love is a choice you make, not an emotion you wait for.

So where do you start? Start small and start in private. Pray for that person by name today, even if the words feel forced at first. Something powerful happens in your own heart when you ask God to bless the very person who wounded you.

Then look for one small way to do good toward them this week. Refuse to join the conversation when others are criticizing them. Send a kind message. Help them when they're in need, even if they never say thank you. These tiny acts of obedience slowly loosen bitterness's grip on your heart.

Loving your enemy doesn't mean pretending the hurt never happened or staying in a harmful situation. It means handing justice over to God and refusing to let hatred write the rest of your story. He loved you when you were still far from Him — now He gives you the strength to love like that too.

Father, You loved me when I didn't deserve it, so I ask You to help me love the person who hurt me. Give me the courage to pray for them, do good to them, and let go of the bitterness I've been carrying. Make my heart more like Yours. Amen.