When you read in the Bible and you see that we are admonished to pray for our enemies, to turn the other cheek, to give your cloak when someone takes your tunic (if you happen to wear a cloak and tunic, that is) please do it. It is difficult. You will not want to. Do it anyway.
I believe this instruction is for our own selves more than the other person. People will mistreat you. Those you love dearly will hurt you, those you don't love will hurt you also. Pray for them. Give yourself a gift and pray for them. This will help you keep your heart from becoming hardened. When your spouse, sibling, parents, friends say and do things that cause you pain, pray for them. It is so easy to let bitterness grow, to slowly take root. Even when you feel you are right and they are wrong, genuinely pray for them. You WILL experience injustices. Even if you must draw lines and boundaries, and you will need to at times, don't let a firm hand result in a calloused heart. You do not need to be a door mat, but don't let your stand taint your world view. It will if you're not careful. Please, do this for your momma.
Your life will be so much sweeter and you will have the capacity to experience more joy if you keep a tender and merciful heart, even toward your "enemies."
Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
