Jesus told His disciples to Love God with all your heart, mind and soul. This is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:34-40). He also goes on to tell us the second greatest commandment... To Love your Neighbor as Yourself.
What does that mean? Of course we know what loving God means... but what does Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself mean? It means respecting each other. According to Bishop Barron, it means it is an act of wishing good on others. It means to treat others how you want to be treated.
Maybe whenever we encounter anyone, we should think of them as God in our midst. If someone crosses us or doesn't treat us in a way we think we should be treated, let's back up and try not react. Let's think about what kind of day that person might be having. Let's pray for that person. Let's offset that moment of crossness with no words but maybe a smile. I know it sounds sappy but let's give it a try. Let's have that inner peace. Let's be that God to someone that may not have God in his or her life. Pray for those that hurt you.
One of my favorite sayings from St. Francis of Assisi... "Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary."
