We are called to love those who contend with us. We are called to rise above circumstances and love our enemies.
In doing so, fear can creep in and grip a broken and wounded heart. Sometimes those “enemies” are those who held our hearts in their hands. It can feel, as if you won’t survive. That fear can also be devastatingly isolating. Fear not!
Sometimes you just have to encourage yourself. Remind yourself that God is with you and He will never fail. I’ve seen mountains of opposition utterly crumble and be rendered silent in a moment. He’s a good, good Father that way! When people and circumstances let you down, remind yourself that God never will.
For some, this wisdom echos from the experience of being loved well. For others it may have been an illusion, recited but never demonstrated with sincere and unconditional action. Love isn’t what we say in public. Love is how we act when no one sees.
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep."