Power to Love

I'm so far from perfect. Everybody is. 

I'm so far from having the capability to love everybody in every single instance. Most people are as well. 

I'm so far from being accepting of people from various backgrounds dissimilar to my own. A lot of individuals are the same.

The fact of the matter is, we're all struggling to love our neighbor--meaning everyone. There's so much hate and malice in the world; people blaming others for their own problems, fighting over opinions, getting into petty, little arguments. It's easy to fire back when someone takes a shot at you.

Lately I've realized that I could do better at loving and I wish I could, but I find it to be so challenging! Why is it so difficult to love? How on earth did Christ manage to love every soul?What I've come to understand is that we have three tools that give us the power to overcome any weakness.

1. Prayer
2. The Atonement
3. The Spirit

I've often asked myself, 'Why do I have weaknesses?' Comfort always comes after reading this scripture: 

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." [Ether 12:27]

I'm so grateful for my weaknesses. After all, without my shortcomings, how would Heavenly Father be able to shape me into something better than I am; a masterpiece? If I didn't have any defects in my persona, God wouldn't have anything to work with. I wouldn't be able to grow. Although feeling as if I'm incapable to love despite the circumstance, I know that I am absolutely capable to let go of my animosity; distaste for anyone if I rely on my Savior. 
Through the enabling power of the Atonement of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I can overcome any weakness. All it takes it a little bit of work. 
Kidding.
It'll take a lot of work on my part.
God has given us all the tools we need to trek through any trial, wield through any weakness, and overcome any obstacle. Prayer will give me power. The Atonement will give me power. The Spirit will give me power. I am not in this alone. 
When I received the gift of the Holy Ghost twelve years ago, Heavenly Father promised me His companionship so long as I keep myself out of the presence of negative influences and abstain from making unrighteous decisions. He will aid me.
Following the soft whisperings of the Spirit coupled with the power of prayer--asking the Father, in humility, for His help--will essentially rid myself of the incapability to be a better person.
At this moment in time, these things will not make me perfect, but the beauty of this gospel is when I make a mistake, if I'm rude, hateful, or inconsiderate towards someone's feelings, I can repent. The true power is in repentance and forgiveness. Because of this truth that I can pick myself back up, apologize, ask forgiveness, and try my very hardest to never give in to the same temptation to put someone down, I know that one challenge won't stunt my spiritual growth, but rather, my slate can be wiped clean and I'm given another chance.
Today, I realized that one disagreement isn't worth a relationship. 
Think about it: Satan disagreed with Christ's plan, it ruined their relationship and it even cost him his salvation. I'm not willing to disregard and walk away from a relationship because of a little discord.
My goal this week is to ask my Heavenly Father for the strength to love in all situations. 
What can you do better at?