Have you ever had someone reject you and your overtures of friendship. Maybe they are speaking poorly of you or ridiculing you. In a work situation they may be withholding important information from you and excluding you from social activities or conversations. They may appear to be going out of their way to irritate or upset you. What do we do?

In the natural it would seem easy. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. We could plan and plot revenge. We could practice the things we will say to them next time. We could slander them or defame them on social media. We could “cancel” them as this cancel culture would urge. We could return like for like. But to what end?

In the Bible it says we are a chosen people, a people set apart. We are in this world but not of this world:

If you were of the world, the world would love you as it’s own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you

John 15:19ESV

As Christians, we might think we should have a perfect life … if there is such a thing. Never experiencing troubles and everyone behaving themselves exactly the way we want them to. But we are not immune to the vagaries of the natural world. Life happens to everyone.

However, we are called to look at things differently and respond in a kingdom way:

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect

Romans 12:2 ESV

Rather than dwelling on these things, I like to pray. I find praying into these situations, for these individuals and groups of people soothes my troubled heart and mind. Initially, it can be difficult to pray when these things happen. However, when you consciously practice making prayer your first response it can eventually become your natural reaction. In my experience it is the best way.

Each day I pray for my family, friends, colleagues, community and country. When I am driving along I pray for the people I notice. Consider filling your day in with conversations with God that bless others.

May you and your family have a blessed Christmas and a safe and happy new year.

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