[This reflection by David Makanjuola was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 07/Dec/2025]
How was your week? Before you say “fine”, or “oh, not too bad” – the reflex answers, let me tell you about mine.
It started off with going to work on Monday. It was busy, but actually not that bad. Tuesday was a bit more difficult as things were a bit difficult with a work colleague, and as the week progressed the interaction, which had cooled, became ‘definitely frosty’ as the interactions became more difficult. Initially I tried to carry on as if nothing was happening, but after a few days, I was not just frustrated, but was beginning to get angry at what I thought was now quite disrespectful behaviour.
I sorely wanted to let the individual know how unreasonable they were being, but that is where this business about being a Christian who wants to behave as Christ would have, becomes challenging. Christ said love your enemies. Hmmm. Well, how do I show this love?
Paul the apostle, in the letter to the Corinthians writes:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
1 Corinthians 13 v4-5 [NIVUK]
Well, this was going to be difficult, because I was definitely getting angry, and also keeping a record of wrongs. I prayed for God to help me, to give me the grace to forgive and the courage to obey His promptings about how to handle this. I knew I could not do this in my own strength, as the desire to see them get their just desserts had been building up over those few days.
As we approached the weekend, I received an email from this individual, apologising about their actions. A smile came across my lips. God had come through again. How and why they had a change of heart was a mystery to me, and I had to accept that it was an answer to prayer. I didn’t feel very much like doing it, but I knew I had to accept the hand that was extended and to shake it in friendship. I felt very much like the elder brother in the story of the Prodigal son, and I needed to ask again for God’s courage and grace.
Paul, in the letter I quoted above also stated that:
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13 v6-7 [NIVUK]
So, whatever this past week was like for you, I pray that you go into the next one asking God to give you His grace and strength to love not just your neighbour, but also your enemy.
Resources:
[1]
Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.
Bible dates:
Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.
Horley Baptist Church onlineHBC main site
Confidential prayer link
Link to Recent Reflections
.
Link to Index of Bible Passages
Last Sunday’s reflection: Church, but Different by Martin Shorey
Contributed by David Makanjuola; © David Makanjuola