Some people put their foot in their mouth, but seem to enjoy the taste. Some people rub us the wrong way, but act like it's the right way. Some people know how to push our buttons, and we detest that they can have so much negative impact on us!

It's true: Some people just drive us crazy. They're people at school or work or church, or in our family or at the arena.

But as people of faith, this doesn't sit well with us. Why? Because Jesus' command, "Love one another" (John 13:34 NIV), echoes in our ears. So how can we be at our best when some people put us at our worst?

Today, let me suggest just one thing to un-stick our thinking and propel it toward a more loving place.

When we pray, think of the people we don't like, and then, thank God that Jesus died for them, too.

Here's the thing. Jesus loved us so much that He died for us. But guess what? He died for other people, too — and not just the ones who make us feel hunky-dory, but the ones who make us scream, tear out our hair, and run for the hills.

I write a daily devotional called "Up!" at TheUpDevo.com. After I originally wrote about this idea, I heard back from several people who told me (a) how hard it is to do, but (b) how much it makes their attitude more loving.

If we want to be at our best even when some people put us at our worst, then when we pray, let's think of the people we don't like, and then, thank God that Jesus died for them, too.

I'm guessing that God will use that prayer to un-stick our thinking and propel it toward a more loving place.

Start today!

We may not like everyone, but there are things that we can do to start loving them. Please join me in this prayer:

Prayer: Lord, thank You for __________. I know that You love them and that Jesus died for them, too. Help me live differently as a result. Amen.

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About the author:

Matthew Ruttan <matthew@matthewruttan.com>
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
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