Lechugas

Warning: Sensitive.

This is an excerpt from my YM conversation with a dear friend. I really shouldn't be sharing this, but I also think it's a shame if I don't.

Je: Kilala mo si John Piper? He advises that whenever someone is attacking us, always default back to God's promises, God's purpose on you. And that thing that's attacking us will be exactly what it is... just a thing, compare to God's promises. Do you wanna try to see the bigger picture together?

Me: Go!

Je: People like that is always a test of character. Or it's a character-making in the process. If ever you choose to be kind or to forgive or whatever, don't make the mistake of doing it just because you're a Christian kasi magbbackfire. So ok lang if I share what I'd do if I were in your place?

Me: Kaya nga tayo andito kasi I'd like to hear ur thoughts.

Je: I would like to pray for my enemies-- hindi to Mother Teresa kind of "bait-ness" but praying for your enemies is your only best defense. It saves you from sinning and it's for me in a way eh "making sumbong to God". Yan una. Sabi nga, "loving your enemies" doesn't mean that you will be fond of them or saying that they're nice even when they're not, it just means that first of all you do not fight bitchiness with another bitchiness, you do not be overcome with bitchiness. Remember that only hurt people hurt. So kung ako sayo ha, being provoked is a human thing. But what you choose to do after yun yung nagmamatter. How you choose to see "it"... how you choose to respond. Everytime "it" hurts you, try to see "it" as a hurt person... whereas you're a happy person with so much blessings to be thankful for. Try to see "it" as the LOST person.. and you're already found. Now when it comes to day-to-day moments, it'll be hard to remember BIG thoughts like this kasi nga napprovoke ka but that's when prayer comes in. We cannot leave God out of this alamo yan. And God, so loving Father that He continues to call us to love and forgive. Ang hirap sobrang hirap to find out HOW THE HECK CAN I BE LOVING DITO SA LECHUGAS NA TAONG 'TO...

Me: Hahaha!

Je: But then again.. it's not gonna be up to you. You just pray lang talaga na Lord I want to honor you but this situation is making it harder to honor you. So you want to see the bigger picture? Yun. You ask God to show you how He sees this little situation from His own eyes. Don't make patol, Raquel.

I saved this so I can read it over and over until it sinks in to my core. As I read this time after time, I came to realize, I'm blessed to have this kind of friend.