Newspaper columnist and minister George Crane tells of a wife who came into his office full of hatred toward her husband. “I do not only want to get rid of him, I want to get even. Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has me.”
Dr. Crane suggested an ingenious plan “Go home and act as if you really love your husband. Tell him how much he means to you. Praise him for every decent trait. Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate, and generous as possible. Spare no efforts to please him, to enjoy him. Make him believe you love him. After you’ve convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, then drop the bomb. Tell him that you’re getting a divorce. That will really hurt him.” With revenge in her eyes, she smiled and exclaimed, “Beautiful, beautiful. Will he ever be surprised!” And she did it with enthusiasm. Acting “as if” she loved him. For two months she showed love, kindness, listening, giving, reinforcing, sharing.
When she didn’t return, Dr. Crane called. “Are you ready now to go through with the divorce?”
“Divorce?” she exclaimed, “Never! I discovered I really do love him.” Her actions had changed her feelings. Motion resulted in emotion. The ability to love is established not so much by fervent promise as often repeated deeds.
I’m sure we’ve all heard Ephesians 4:32 at one time or another, but it’s a godly principle to live by, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” That means at all times. Whether we’re treated fairly or not, God commands us to be kind to others.
You will face times when you don’t feel like loving others. Don’t become impatient and lash out in anger during those times. Take time to remember God’s command to be kind, and give others preference —- Do whatever you have to do to remind yourself that joy– comes from putting Jesus and others before you. (From Daily in the Word)
