Love never fails.--1 Corinthians 13:8 NIV

One of Abraham Lincoln's earliest political enemies was Edward Stanton.
In one speech he called Lincoln a "low, cunning clown." In another he
said, "It's ridiculous to go to Africa to see a gorilla when you can
find one just as easily in Springfield, Illinois." Yet Lincoln never
responded. Why? Because "Love is patient, love is kind" ( 1 Corinthians
13:4 NIV). This kind of love is not passive endurance, it's active good
will. It's not just standing across the room saying, "That person drives
me bananas so I'm going to steer clear of them." No, it's crossing the
room and finding a way to physically (or in conversation) embrace them.
Lincoln did that. When he was elected President and needed a Secretary
of War, guess who he chose? Edward Stanton. When friends asked why,
Lincoln said, "Because he's the best man for the job." Years later as
the slain President's body lay in state, Edward Stanton looked into the
casket and said through his tears, "There lies the greatest ruler of men
the world has ever seen." His animosity had been broken by Lincoln's
long-suffering, non-retaliatory spirit.

Is someone injuring you? Have they chosen a place of opposition in your
life? How are you responding? Do you want victory over your critical
attitude? Then by an act of your will - forgive them, move toward them
with grace and begin to love them. Then watch God bring victory in a way
you never could, because "Love [the God kind] never fails."