Though, we can rest assured that in times like this where we feel betrayed and abandoned by those even closest to us.... The One, Whom is most close to us, Jesus, Our Lord and Savor truly understands, because He has experience first hand what it's like to be betrayed, talked badly about, hurt and abandoned by those even most close to Him. And yet, still, God tells us to, "Love our enemies and to do good to those who persecute us." Talk about a bold and radical statement and call to follow.
That is what we must do at ALL times, is LOVE, LOVE, LOVE... always and everywhere!!!
It doesn't make the offensive and abusive actions of others OK, and in fact, never, ever should we put up with and tolerate abuse of any kind, nor does Jesus expect us to when He tells us to Love our enemies... but it does allow much room for the much needed healing balm of forgiveness and empathy that we can show, even if from a distance.
In order to really Love as Jesus calls us to we must have a greater and bigger and wiser understanding that ultimately those who seem to deliberately go out of their way to hurt and insult and provoke others are mostly, ultimately doing that because it's already been done to them and still that doesn't mean that because of that we should tolerate their abusive behavior.
Though, by acting in a way that is retaliating is only going to carry on the cycle of what is ultimately, "abuse," no matter how minor it might seem. Where there is injury, we must pray for God's pardon, like St. Francis of Assisi so beautifully said... and with God's Love, Mercy, Pardon and Forgiveness... a multitude of miracles can take place, though, our hearts must be open and willing to allowing God's Grace to make it all happen.
Perhaps, the miracle might be to forgive the other who has abused us in some way, and to find true reconciliation which in turn deepens and strengthens the existing relationship, or perhaps it might be that one finds that it's time to move on to find new friends and such who will truly treat you in the way you deserve to be treated, with mutual Love, respect and kindness.
Many people have never known that kind of treatment from others, and often times it is people who have been abused who don't feel worthy of finding Loving relationships based on genuine Love and respect and kindness, though, it is possible and that's the kind of relationship that God desires for us to have with others. If you already have these kinds of relationships with others in your life... praise and thank God for them, for this is a great Blessing from Heaven.
If you haven't yet found these kinds of relationships with others, you will, seek them and you will find them. Pray for God to send into your life people who will genuinely Love and respect you and treat you with the same kindness that you will treat them with in return! Of course, God still calls us to Love our enemies and yet, still, He doesn't mean for us to be abused. We can Love our eminies and friends alike with our prayers and Loving and kind thoughts... and we can even contribute greatly to helping to heal our world in so doing!
