“…or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” 1 Corinthians 13:5
March 6, 2023
God puts Christians in rock tumblers to turn us from being rough rocks to polished gems. True love does not come about in some emotional moment. It is made possible by the work of the Holy Spirit as we live in the middle of relationships. Love does not have a short fuse. It chooses to absorb irritations and offenses out of concern for others. Do I wear my feelings on my sleeve? How tolerant am I of annoyances in the interest of others? Love is not easy. It takes a passion to please God, awareness of the intensity of God’s love for me, and lots of obediences. It’s one thing to make a wedding vow of “for better or for worse,” but it is something else to not be touchy and not keep a record of wrongs. Holding grudges is a sure way to blow up a relationship. Too many marriages fall apart because of vindictiveness. Love chooses to let God keep the moral scoreboard of life. Do I keep a private file of personal grievances? Am I willing to let God settle the score? It’s these kinds of self-judging questions before a holy and all-knowing God that can make our love a polished gem for all to see.
H
“Lord Jesus, I see your love in the words you uttered, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ Help me to love like that.”