It isn’t easy loving the unlovable.

When people come against us or hurt us, our first instinct is to either avoid them or lash out. In this day and age, it seems animosity and bitterness are more and more the rule. If two individuals disagree, odds are they either refuse to talk or are at each other’s throats.

News broadcasts are filled with stories of acts of hatred and violence. Courtrooms are backlogged with lawsuits due to unresolved conflict. Political candidates constantly throw slurs at one another. Instead of working out their differences, they become enemies of sorts.

A HIGHER STANDARD

But Jesus calls us to a higher standard–one of kindness and forgiveness. In the Sermon on the Mount, He told His followers,

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in Heaven.”

He asks a hard thing. In fact, I think there is nothing more difficult than showing kindness in the face of animosity. But to do so, is to make a change for the better. What would our world look like if more individuals responded in love rather than hatred?

THE CHALLANGE TO FORGIVE

Loving the unlovable is a strong theme in my upcoming Civil War novel, Beyond These War-Torn Lands. Both my hero (Drew) and heroine (Caroline) face the challenge to forgive those who’ve wronged them. Caroline’s mean-spirited father continually singles her out, treating her harshly for no apparent reason. When his resentment drives her away for a time, it takes all her courage to return to show compassion in his time of need.

Drew’s difficulties stem from his arrogant superior officer and the Civil War itself. In light of ill-treatment and false charges, he must choose between defending his honor or the virtue of sacrifice and doing the right thing.

*When have you chosen to show kindness in response to spitefulness?

BEYOND THESE WAR-TORN LANDS

Beyond These War-Torn Lands is a story of hatred vs. compassion, bitterness vs forgiveness. Receive inside info into Drew and Caroline’s story by becoming an e-mail Newsletter Subscriber.

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Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

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