As a Christian we are encouraged to become more and more like Jesus, but how is that possible in a world where hearts have grown cold and mutual honesty, integrity and respect is almost non existent?

In his book, Just Like Jesus, Max Lucado offers us numerous examples. I own this treasure trove of encouragement and have read it numerous times but I must say, loving as Jesus loved/loves and living as He lived, is not easy!

Recent events in my life proved just how difficult a task this is. Not wanting to get into the situation here, let’s suffice by saying I have never considered myself capable of emotions strong enough to actually hurt—I mean physically—hurt someone…until recently.

Yeah, hard to believe, right? Especially for those who know me personally.

Hard for me to believe too but I have never felt such intense anger toward someone I barely know.

I’m not proud of it and certainly am not advocating acting on those feelings! But for the first time in my life I can honestly say I’ve experienced something so fierce, so strong….so dangerous that it actually scared me.

I’ve seen a post going around on Facebook … something about… when asked WWJD remember that turning over tables and taking a whip to someone is not out of the realm of possibilities. Yeah, I’d like to do that.

Or worse.

Without a qualm.

So honestly, WWJD and how can we be more like Jesus when we have such undesirable emotions?

Well Scripture gives us the answer…. “But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” Matthew 5:44 and Romans 12:14 “Bless those who persecute you [who are cruel in their attitude toward you]; bless and do not curse them.”

So that’s what I did and am continuing to do: Pray for them and trust that God has the entire situation under control and will show Himself strong on my behalf.

I’ve also added the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi and the Anima Christi to my regimen.

Have these things made me more like Jesus?

Maybe, a little, but I know there’s still a long way for me to go and to grow.

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi