Friday, March 13, 2026

Dearest God,

How can I ever be able to love my enemy?  How can I love someone whose intent is to hurt and destroy others?  How can I transform my hatred into love?

Right now in our country there is so much anger, hatred and bitterness.  Because of political divisions, we have grown to hate others.  When I think of Jesus, I remember his words.  "Forgive them for they do not know what they do."  The cynic side of me wants to challenge his statement.  The other side of me wants to fall to my knees in repentance.  How do I move the cynic side more to the repentant side?

I realize forgiveness is not only for the enemy but for our self as well.  When we forgive, something changes inside us.  Our hardline feelings begin to soften. We breathe easier.  We find light and peace and even some joy.  We have more energy of the good kind.  It does not mean our beliefs change about equal treatment for all people.  It simply means we do not give in to the evil side of evil ways.  We rise above it, do all we can to help others and protest for better ways.

Loving, Compassionate God,

we love

to be forgiven

but have

a harder time forgiving.

We hate hate

and we love love

but it

is difficult

to change.

Help us all

rise to

your level

of love,

forgiveness and mercy.

Guide us

to work

for justice,

compassion and peace.

Shine your light

upon us

so we

can do

the same.

Love, Andrea