Consider this: it seems that to not like someone you actually have to entertain unlikeable thoughts about them. Were it not for such thoughts, you would find you have no means by which to feel dislike.
Hence, satan –– who has watched all your reactions to that individual and listened to everything you say about them –– constantly refreshes your outlook with your own thoughts to keep you from feeling the value of that person to God.
Perhaps this is one reason why the first part of the armor we are to put on is the “belt of truth.” And when it comes to what we think of others, it seems to me the most important truth we protect our minds with is this: each person is exceedingly precious to God. If we constantly remind ourselves of this, the chances are good that we will not harbor any unworthy thoughts of them.
Additionally, the Apostle Paul taught that we are to give thanks “for all people.” (1 Timothy 2:1)
So what do you think? Is it possible to give thanks for someone and complain about them at the same time? I don’t think so. And if that is true then every time we complain about someone we are simultaneously disobeying God because we are not thanking God for them!
When Jesus said, “love your enemies” he wasn’t appealing to our emotions. He was addressing our will — our capacity to chose how we treat other people. And if we are committed to love the truth and live by it, we will practice enfolding our minds in how priceless everyone we know is to God, and we will practice thanking him for them.
