Enmity is of no use, only saps your energy

I once saw this comment on FaceBook, “I really hate some friends!” And I wondered, why hate anybody, and again why voice it on a platform that is social media? Hate is too strong an emotion you don’t want it associated with you.

Still, the story goes about an American who walked into a London restaurant that had all whites except one African man who was sitting in a corner. He shouted to the waiter,” I am buying food for everyone except that black African guy over there!” Indeed, the waiter got busy serving but the black man only looked up to the American and shouted, “Thank you!”

Infuriated, the man continued, “Waiter! This time am buying bottles of wine and additional food for everyone in this bar except that black African guy over there!” Again, the waiter scurried to fulfill the American’s wishes.

Again, the black man smiled at the American and said, “Thank you!”

This time the American was puzzled and beckoned to one of the waiters and asked him why the black man appeared unperturbed by his behaviour and instead only smiled and thanked him!

And the waiter said, “Sir, he is the owner of this pub!” Sometimes we create unnecessary enemies, and in the process, we end up embarrassing ourselves.

Misunderstandings do arise but we handle them so badly we end up worse off than before. How does it benefit you to keep enemies?

True, there are people who have no people skills and always end up rubbing others the wrong way but you can avoid such or simply find a way to co-exist.

One sure way of dealing with hostile people in order to keep peace is to give them an allowance.

This means we look at them first as mortal beings capable of all manner of sin and who also need forgiveness.

The problem with us is that we place others on pedestals and expect very high standards from them, but lower ours.

That is why we will ooh and aah if we hear that a pastor ran away with someone’s wife when we ourselves are keeping, not one but two wives away from their husbands!

We must blend in with God’s position: if God were to count our sins, who would stand?

So developing an attitude of understanding and gratitude would cause us to be very understanding, patient people while minimising misunderstandings and enmity.

The clamour for property, love relationships gone sour, misunderstandings between children and parents or among extended family members all provide for enmity.

God’s way is love. There is no other way. Have you ever met people who are always smiling, of good cheer and always get along with all types of people? These people have learned to avoid useless squabbles by simply being understanding.

When you love people, you will not judge them. You will understand their motivations, their backgrounds, their environments and culture, among others.

Try loving as God does and you will find your life devoid of unnecessary enemies. As much as depends on you, keep peace.