“Are you listening to mean comments?”

“Dear Deborah, I don’t have anything against you. But I just find you a little arrogant. You’re so full of yourself. And that’s not good... just get down from your high horse.”

I was on my way to a performance—which already brings up its share of battles behind the scenes—when I read this comment on Facebook.

It makes sense that things like this happen exactly at those moments when we’re already feeling “thin-skinned,” friend—of course. Because the devil knows what he’s doing. He won’t attack you when your faith is strong. He waits for those moments when you’re alreadyat your breaking point and feeling disappointed.

And you should be aware of that. God’s command for you is: “...Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18 NIV) Not only when you’re in a good mood, not only when people are nice to you. Always, friend, always.

Even when people publicly—like in this case on Facebook—attack you. Ouch. Make the decision to love people before they hurt you! Because this helps you continue to love them while they’re hurting you.

That’s how I was able to honestly respond to that comment: “You’re allowed to have your opinion—and I’ll just keep loving people, including you! And I’m thankful for everyone who loves along with me!”

And no, friend, this lady didn’t change her mind, and she continued attacking me. But it didn’t affect me anymore! Because I had—just as God wants us to—spoken love into a loveless situation and was able to continue on with a “pure heart.”

I was able to then continue to the performance, where many people entrusted their lives to Jesus that evening! Imagine if I had stopped because of that hurt. Imagine if I had given that one voice the power to take the joy out of my calling!

As we continue to love, evil will lose its power—and Jesus’ name will triumph again every single hour!

Keep loving, friend, and experience it for yourself!

You are a miracle!