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“You have heard people say, ‘Love your neighbors and hate your enemies.’ But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong.”

Matthew 5:43-45 (CEV)

When someone hurts you or acts unfairly, your first reaction is probably to get mad or get even. Getting revenge feels natural, and keeping score of who owes us an apology seems like the fair thing to do. But holding onto grudges is exhausting, and it keeps us trapped in anger instead of letting us move forward.

Jesus gives us a completely different way to live. He tells us to love our enemies and pray for the people who treat us badly. That might sound almost impossible at first! But Jesus points to how God treats the world as our example: God makes the sun shine on both good and bad people, and He sends rain to everyone without holding back. The sun doesn't check a person's record before giving heat, and God doesn't wait for people to be perfect before showing kindness.

When you choose to drop the scorecard and stop judging who deserves your warmth, your stress begins to melt away. You stop acting like a judge and start living like God's child. Choosing unconditional goodwill toward difficult people—at work, at school, or at home—breaks the endless cycle of hurt and sets your heart free.

This week, think of one person who has upset you or treated you unfairly. Instead of trying to get even or holding a grudge, say a short prayer asking God to bless them and to give you a peaceful heart toward them.

Prayer Prompt:

"God, I ask you for the strength to let go of my grudges and..."