But I Really Don’t Like Her

But I Really Don’t Like Her

Samantha Evilsizer

The showdown had begun. She at one end of the table, me at the other. My plate a smoking gun; lima beans my bullets.

I wish I could say I was a two-year-old, throwing a tantrum. Instead, I’m embarrassed to admit I was twenty-five, sticking it to a woman I couldn’t stand. Meeting her stealthy gaze, I methodically slid one lima bean after another to the side of my plate. I wouldn’t take one bite of her potpie until it was clear of them.

It’s not that I disliked lima beans. What I didn’t like was my boyfriend’s mother. My own mother’s voice grew loud in my head: It doesn’t matter what she’s done; eat the limas, Sam. Put down your disdain and put her above yourself.

With determined purpose, I jabbed the last lima. Without a word, I said it all to her: I will not honor your meal. I will not honor you. My mom’s voice grew still louder in my head: Use humility, Samantha Elaine!

After dishes were washed and guns put away, another voice resonated. The Lord spoke gently, yet firmly. I’ve asked you to not be selfish. This was a perfect opportunity to show humility. She took time to cook that meal; you should have put her above your desires and eaten all of it.

I was ready with my rebuttal. But I really don’t like her! She’s controlling. She doesn’t respect me or my relationship with her son. She’s impossible to get along with, much less honor.

As far as I was concerned, she was the enemy and my duty was to draw battle lines. Yet, deep down I knew my actions shouldn’t be determined by hers. After all, she’d worked hard on that dinner. She was my boyfriend’s mom. And most importantly, she was my sister in Christ.

God called me to be humble. I knew He was inviting me to honor her, not only by eating her meal, but by also complimenting her special dish. It would’ve been a small thing, a God thing—but I didn’t do it.

Although that relationship—with the boyfriend and his mom—has ended, my relationship with humility has grown. And continues to grow as I challenge myself. It may be something as small as eating food I don’t care for, watching a movie that bores me, attending a function I’d rather not. Or maybe speaking kind words when frustrated, praying for someone who’s offended me, or taking a back seat when I want to be in front.

By being humble, I honor God. There’s joy in giving glory to the One who humbly laid down His life to give me eternal life. This truth provides me the grace I need to tuck my guns away and ask, “May I please have seconds?”

Lord, thank You for being the best example of humility and honor. Please give me the grace to respect others, especially those I find hard to respect. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REMEMBER

Even though it may be incredibly difficult, honoring others is always the better way to go.

REFLECT

What is your first reaction when you feel confronted? Ask a friend or family member if you’re not sure. How can you process your reactions in light of the truths you learned in this devotion?

RESPOND

Who in your life right now is your equivalent of the boyfriend’s mom? What is one thing you can do to “tuck your guns away” in humility and show kindness?

POWER VERSES

Romans 12:10; Colossians 3:12–13