Love Your Enemies

Talk about expecting surprises! In my last post, I told you I'd prayed for hospitality opportunities. God is so good and so faithful that he answered that prayer again. He's given me two opportunities in three days. However, this time is a little different.

This time he's given me the opportunity to host an enemy. That's right, my challenge today is to love an enemy.

But to you who are listening I say, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27 (emphasis mine)

Almost a year ago, my daughter, Dania, experienced a cyber-attack. She was maligned by hundreds of people via the internet - some of them were people she didn't even know. Some of them were her friends, or so she thought. They texted her, cursed her and told her how worthless she was - and that she should just kill herself. These people passed her phone number around for kicks.

She was so hurt by it, that she sank into a life threatening depression. She required hospitalization,  intensive counseling, and a new phone number. While in recovery, one of the friends she'd managed to keep, turned on her and sent a text calling her a crazy b*#%h and told her (once again) to kill herself.

My daughter has experienced more betrayal in her short 16-years than most people experience in a lifetime. We talked about forgiving this girl, and understanding where she was mentally when she did it. The friend, we'll call her "Kim," apologized and expressed remorse. Dania had a very hard time accepting her apology. Then, Kim started a pattern of harassment that continued for weeks. She even sent texts to my phone! I was grateful to be rid of her and grateful that though Dania learned to forgive, this child wouldn't be in her life anymore.

So imagine my surprise, when Kim showed up in my kitchen the other night.

Dania asked if Kim could spend the night, and because she has several friends with that same name, I said, "Sure!"

Now she's here. She's been here for two days and I'm trying my best to see her through Jesus' eyes. I'm not going to lie...it's difficult. I'm filled with many emotions, and my daughter (I can feel it) is watching me.

Teenagers can spot a hypocrite a mile away.

And God is the master at giving us the opportunity to practice what we preach. I'll let you know how it goes.