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“I hope the rest of your day is as pleasant as you are.”

That quote is loaded, ain’t it?! I saw this posted on social media a while back: “Say ‘I hope the rest of your day is as pleasant as you are’ and then watch their face as they try to determine if it was a compliment or not.”

I love this!!! It’s like the new version of “bless your heart”…so many ways it can be used or taken. Most folks like to think they’re pleasant people. Most folks would hope others enjoy having them around. Some folks couldn’t care less if anyone is near them and they know for fact that they ain’t pleasant (I hope and pray you ain’t one of them because that ain’t how we are called to live).

Check this portion from Romans 12: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another. Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, ‘Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay’, says the Lord. But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good (Romans 12:9-21, CSB).”

“Don’t be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.” “Live in harmony with each other.” “Detest evil; cling to what is good.” “Love one another deeply.” “Live at peace with everyone.” Shewee! That’s some tough orders to follow, ain’t it! Let’s be real here, y’all… some folks just ain’t lovable. Some folks test the Jesus in you. Some folks are hard to “live in harmony” with. I know…trust me! But this is how followers of Jesus are called to live. This type of living truly makes ones heart pleasant.

“I hope the rest of your day is as pleasant as you are.”

Rev. J. Cameron Bailey is pastor of Kenbridge Christian Church. He can be reached at jamescameronbailey@gmail.com.