Loving malevolant people

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Pet

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It's that time of year again, when some of us may be challenged to love (or even like) our enemies.

I heard a lady say that she needed prayer to honour her mother, who had tried to ruin her life, by spreading lies, causing family divisions etc.

I'm asking Christians for prayer, to enable me to forgive, forget and love somebody who has tried to ruin my life.
 
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Jack

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It's that time of year again, when some of us may be challenged to love (or even like) our enemies.

I heard a lady say that she needed prayer to honour her mother, who had tried to ruin her life, by spreading lies, causing family divisions etc.

I'm asking Christians for prayer, to enable me to forgive, forget and love somebody who has tried to ruin my life.
VERY common! Been there!
 
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Wrangler

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I'm asking Christians for prayer, to enable me to forgive, forget and love somebody who has tried to ruin my life.
I will pray for you.
It's that time of year again, when some of us may be challenged to love (or even like) our enemies.
I believe "love" is a translation error. The more precise word is compassion, which is universal.

Love is naturally virtue dependent. That's what we love about other people and things. My car is dependable. I love it. My wife is loyal. I love it. When they fail to be virtuous, love naturally retreats.

I believe this distinction has messed up a lot of people. You may not like or love your mother's lack of virtue. Yet, you can still have compassion for her circumstance and mindset that is obviously not focused on Christ and living according to his ways.
 
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Gottservant

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If you have ever been gaslighted in the mental health service, you will know that it is gaslighting ten times over!

I'm praying it doesn't ever get that bad for you!
 
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Pet

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If you have ever been gaslighted in the mental health service, you will know that it is gaslighting ten times over!

I'm praying it doesn't ever get that bad for you!
That would be even worse. Malevolant people can work anywhere.
"They say the greatest cowards, can hurt the most ferociously" (a lennox)
 
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Pet

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I will pray for you.

I believe "love" is a translation error. The more precise word is compassion, which is universal.

Love is naturally virtue dependent. That's what we love about other people and things. My car is dependable. I love it. My wife is loyal. I love it. When they fail to be virtuous, love naturally retreats.

I believe this distinction has messed up a lot of people. You may not like or love your mother's lack of virtue. Yet, you can still have compassion for her circumstance and mindset that is obviously not focused on Christ and living according to his ways.
Yes, lo
I will pray for you.

I believe "love" is a translation error. The more precise word is compassion, which is universal.

Love is naturally virtue dependent. That's what we love about other people and things. My car is dependable. I love it. My wife is loyal. I love it. When they fail to be virtuous, love naturally retreats.

I believe this distinction has messed up a lot of people. You may not like or love your mother's lack of virtue. Yet, you can still have compassion for her circumstance and mindset that is obviously not focused on Christ and living according to his ways.
Forgiveness manifests itself as compassion
 

Windmill Charge

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It's that time of year again, when some of us may be challenged to love (or even like) our enemies.

Time of year! There is no set time of year for Christians to show love to those who despise, hate or persecute them.

Christians are called to love these people ALL year round.
This is often by praying for them.
 

Pet

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Time of year! There is no set time of year for Christians to show love to those who despise, hate or persecute them.

Christians are called to love these people ALL year round.
This is often by praying for them.
I know! But so hard to do, with all sincerity.
... had a complete miracle for one of them, but the other...
 

Lambano

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I will pray for you.

I believe "love" is a translation error. The more precise word is compassion, which is universal.

Love is naturally virtue dependent. That's what we love about other people and things. My car is dependable. I love it. My wife is loyal. I love it. When they fail to be virtuous, love naturally retreats.

I believe this distinction has messed up a lot of people. You may not like or love your mother's lack of virtue. Yet, you can still have compassion for her circumstance and mindset that is obviously not focused on Christ and living according to his ways.
One of the definitions of “Agape” love I ran across is that the happiness and wellbeing of the one loved is essential to the happiness and wellbeing of the one doing the loving. The virtue or deservingness of the one loved does not come into play.

That definition stuck with me all these years.
 
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