I have a confession to make: Sometimes I don’t like my kids. The same thing goes for my husband, Mark, too. And I’m pretty sure they would tell you the same thing about me. And that’s OK. Because we never promised to like each other all the time.

If I feel like criticizing someone, that person probably needs my help, my love, and maybe my prayer. Love helps; judging negatively doesn’t. Prayer helps—and prayer works! Instead of judging someone, take the time to love that person. That attitude of love will help that person— and help you as well.

Will what I do during my lifetime make any difference? Maybe in the present, but what about years from now? Will the good fruit of love and justice I have borne really last? Jesus gave us the answer to that question: Yes! If our life is connected by faith, hope, and love, we will bear “fruit that will last” (John 15:16).