Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. (Colossians 3:14)

“Assume a virtue if you have it not.” ~William Shakespeare

If you haven’t prayed Jesus’ prayer: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,” you might want to check your pulse. If you are a true believer, you have experienced persecution.

Persecution is unavoidable when we are walking with Jesus. People in our lives who live in darkness, encounter the light in our hearts and find it blinding and uncomfortable to their souls. They bristle and don’t like us without even knowing why.

Our response is either toxic in return for the toxicity or a simple, silent prayer, borrowing Jesus’ words. This prayer is potent, and one we highly recommend praying before you darken the decorated doors of your relatives this Christmas. It will keep you out of the scum of strife.

Father,

Before I enter into this family gathering, I pre-forgive every person there who might snub me, offend me, jab me, or belittle me in any way. I release them and forgive them and refuse to get entangled in embitterment. Father, forgive them for they are not aware of themselves. They are not aware that their words cause pain. They are not aware that they are prickly and difficult to love. But I put on your love! I assume agape love, a love I cannot muster, but I simply receive it as a gift from Your Holy Spirit now. Give me your love for these people. Guard my heart, and walk with me. I’ll do my best with you by my side.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen