“Those who are hardest to love need it the most.” ~ Socrates
The surly person who snapped at you in the checkout line at the store? That person may have unexpectedly lost a job and is hurting. The angry person who cut you off on the road? That person may have lost a loved one and is not dealing well with grief. The sullen person at your job who won’t give you the time of day? That person may have had a fight with someone at home.
While their actions may not be pleasant or productive, the reasons behind their actions might speak to us about an important fact that we might miss: they are in need. Yes. Those who are hardest to love need it the most. And while it might be hard to give them the love that they need, if we are persistent, we will eventually get through and they will get the love, care, and concern that they so desperately need.
I guess that’s the self-protective part of our human nature. When we have been hurt, we often close in on ourselves so that no one else can hurt us. The only problem with that is, while no one else might be able to hurt us, no one can get in to help us. We do ourselves a service and a disservice when we shut down.
When we see someone shut down, we often think that they are weak or a pain in the neck or a nuisance. We don’t often see them as someone in need. That’s our fault but that’s something that we can correct. Maybe we can begin that today.
FAITH ACTION: Be loving and kind toward everyone you encounter today.