What right do I have?

Tonight when I was working at Uno's, I felt my rights were violated. Namely, my right to be respected. Even though I don't particularly love my job at the restaurant, I do work hard. I put in my two weeks notice earlier this week, but I made a conscientious effort to not allow that to affect my work performance. Despite that, one of my co-workers seemed to be really short with me tonight. Her tone with me was often exasperated, and at one point made a comment insinuating I wasn't working hard. Because I try to do a good job at work, and because I never liked to be talked down to, I got upset and eventually snapped at her. Of course she didn't appreciate my snide remark to her, and in turn got upset at me. Well, after I walked away from our exchange I immediately began feeling guilty. I denied a perfectly good opportunity to be loving to her. And then I began thinking, when does Jesus call me to love others? Always! Not just when they are being lovable. Anyone can do that, but it is by the Grace of God that we believers are able to love those who are particularly difficult to love. When does Jesus call me to defend my pride? Never! Jesus, the King of the Universe was disrespected and hated by his own people. I was spoken to a little bit rudely, and not even for a noble cause like the gospel. Yet, I could not set aside my pride in the moment in order to treat her as Jesus would. I see a pattern in myself where I have become much more assertive with people. I've been thinking about all of the times I have come away from a situation proud of myself for the sharp comeback I came up with, or the increased ability to stand up for myself. The importance of defending myself has grown while the importance of my showing Christ's love has faded into the background. Anyway, as I was seating tables tonight the Lord was gently bringing much of this to my attention. He was reminding me that my unbelieving co-worker has no choice but to respond to the flesh, but I am empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome it. I eventually apoligized to her, and thankfully she was gracious to forgive me. I just want to not have to apologize, but to love others no matter how hard it is, or how much it hurts. Isn't that what Jesus does for us every moment of this life?