"His Smile"

They didn’t like me when I left,

But less than first hello,

They didn’t like me in between,

I didn’t think it so.

And that’s because I’m lovable,

Or so I always thought,

I believed they loved me,

At least I knew they ought.

Did not think much about it,

Just assumed was true,

But these unkind s.o.b.s,

They finally gave the cue.

And gradually I got it,

They really had no use,

For me or what I stood for,

But I could not get loose,

From my expectations,

My positive approach,

All the things I prayed for,

I wanted no reproach.

They say dumb and happy,

Is not the way to be,

But in this situation,

I guess that would be me.

And finally and slowly,

They really did convince,

That I was plumb unwelcome,

And really ever since,

I wondered why it took me,

Oh, so very long,

To see all that I couldn’t,

And be so very wrong.

And here it is in summary,

I couldn’t really see,

Something that I did not want,

Did not occur to me.

That all the nice appearance,

And gestures large and small,

Were fake and superficial,

They weren’t sincere at all.

I preferred to see a something,

That wasn’t really there,

Conjured by my own desire,

To think they really cared.

Did all this really happen,

More times than I wish,

But by God’s grace forgive ‘em,

And He has showed me this,

It’s great when people love you,

But better just to know,

That it is God’s approval,

That determines how we go.

And knowing that you have it,

Has got to be enough,

‘Cause if it comes from others,

Things can get really rough.

And some are not safe people,

From them you stay away,

Or offset their old negative,

By what God has to say.

Never ask permission,

For something God says do,

Ask someone to help you,

But just go see it through.

We all can use some lovin’,

We need encouragement,

Remember God is faithful,

His smile to you He’s sent.

“But I say, ‘Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!’” (Mt. 5:44, NLT)

Sometimes people become our enemies because of nothing we do. It’s just that we don’t cooperate with whatever their agenda seems to be. When this happens the tendency is to react to them the way they are treating you. But Jesus calls us to love our enemies and pray for them. Intrinsic in that perspective is that we will forgive them. But we all know that we’re not going to get any of this done unless the Lord helps us. But here’s another question: how long do you allow someone to abuse you before you step away from them? There is no easy answer. If it’s physical abuse there’s nothing to pray about. Get out now and get help! But if it’s verbal or emotional abuse, then you do have something to pray about. How long does God want you there? Is there anything at all you can do about the situation, short of pulling out? Until you decide, can you offset the damage they’re trying to do by surrounding yourself with spiritual allies and counsel? Love everyone? Yes. Forgive everyone? Yes. Pray for everyone? Yes. Trust everyone? No. Partner with everyone? Nope. God will show us how and when to shift.

Lord, empower us to love, forgive and pray for everyone, especially our enemies. Teach us when unsafe people need to be cut off, in Jesus’ name

Photo by Rob Walther, used by permission. Find him on Facebook. Thanks, Rob, and God bless you.