While counseling a young minister recently, I was reminded of an experience many years ago that radically changed how I relate to people. At one point in my career, I had to work with a person who nearly drove me crazy. Although I loved my work, I began to dread going in to face another encounter with this annoying person. Every time I saw him, heard his voice, or the mention of his name, I got a sick feeling in my stomach.

It seemed he went out of his way to irritate me. He was incompetent, had bad ideas, and treated people with suspicion and disrespect. I had every right to hate this person—so I thought.

But one day I realized something about myself—I had become a horrible person by granting this person power over me. I had unconsciously formed a partnership with the enemy and what I found in my heart was ugly sin.

So what do you do with sin? You confess it.

“Lord, I have sin in my life. Please forgive me and change my heart. Help me see this person as You see him. I want to love as you love.”

I repeated that prayer every day—sometimes several times a day. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, my heart began to change. A new partnership in God's love was formed. My outlook became brighter. I no longer harbored anger. In its place grew compassion and sympathy. My work became more productive and the joy returned. I began to pray for this person—even for his success.

Unfortunately, he did not respond. But I was free.

Gary Burns is the Lake Union Conference communication director and Lake Union Herald editor.