The wooden furnishings of the steakhouse were bathed in warm, ambient light.

I guided the heavy steak knife through a $75 medium rare rib-eye steak, dipped it generously in blue-cheese sauce and felt it melt in my mouth.

Dad was communicating more openly than usual, with acute gestures and expressions seeming to rapidly surface as if for the first time.

For as long as I can remember, I have felt like a failure with people and didn’t understand why that was or how to rectify it.

However, lately I have noticed a string of experiences that indicate predictable progress in the form of meaningful interactions like this.

In the end, the answer was to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ by staying humble and not judging people.

I still remember watching my brother’s heart seem to open from Mum and I taking an interest in him.

“I don’t expect you to be friends but if I get sick you need to be able to at least come to visit” Dad said.

It’s been 3 years since I got triggered and lashed out at my step-sister at Dad’s birthday dinner, and my step-mother has hated me ever since.

“She says you can absolutely come to visit me”.

“Why don’t we see a family therapist?” I suggested.

I believe that forgiving your enemies, particularly those closest to you, is an exercise in developing one’s Christian heart.

Hatred is part of being human, but it’s what you do with your hatred that is ultimately what defines you.

Are you able to brave the risk of opening yourself up to further hurt in order to also open yourself up to God?