My sin bears hostility

It is now clear that another teacher at my school hates Christ.  It is also clear that she also dislikes me, partly by my own sinful fault.  I allowed my feelings to bleed out of my mouth on a few occasions, in frustration over my differences with this teacher.  Quickly, she heard that I had talked about her.  Although what she had heard was not entirely true, I did not fault her anger.  I had sinned through gossip, which quickly destroyed all hope of friendship between us.

This teacher has twice now reproached Christ in my presence.  Both times stinging my heart.  So instead of allowing anger into my heart, I asked that Christ place an angel in front of my mouth, to keep my words from falling out.

Christ promised us that "all who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."  (2 Timothy 3:11.)  Although I don't feel persecuted, I feel the hostile place that is our public school.  I feel the hate towards my God. I fear speaking out for Christ.  Christ promised also that "the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they gather around themselves teachers, having itching ears;" (2 Timothy 4:3).  I will not be one of their teachers, who teach their wicked ways to others and gather around justifying the evil.

So today, my simple prayer is this:

Christ, my Savior,
Be with me today and bless me as I teach your children.  Guard my mouth and my words.  Set an angel to guard them, so I won't sin against you with my words.  Let me be a beacon of love.  Let me reach out to those who dislike me.  Bless the teacher who reproaches you.  Awaken her soul that has become numb to Your glory.  You have placed me in a place of teaching and learning.  Help the other Christians in our school be known to me, so I can find fellowship.  And if there are none, help me to be strong and courageous.
Amen