Prayer for Someone Difficult to Love

Lord, You said to love my neighbor, and You know exactly which neighbor came to mind just now. I confess that my love has limits theirs has found. I do not want to carry resentment like a stone in my pocket, taking it out to feel its weight. But I also will not pretend that what hurts does not hurt. So begin where I cannot: bless them, where I struggle to. Show me the wound behind their hardness, the fear beneath their anger, without asking me to excuse what should be named honestly. Give me boundaries that protect without poisoning. Give me words that are true and kind at once, or the wisdom to keep silence. And work in me the miracle I cannot manufacture: that one day I might wish them good, and mean it. Love them through me, Lord, until I can love them myself. Amen.