Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
I Thessalonians 5:15
One of Paul’s descriptions of love is not keeping a record of wrongs.
(I Corinthians 13:6) I would need a volume of books to record all the times I have kept a record of those I felt had wronged me! Fortunately, the Lord in His mercy and love has shown me a better way. He has helped me burn the records and replace them with His love. Love covers a multitude of sins, including my record keeping! The Lord wants us to be record keepers of love. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to live a life of love. Paul knew that the key to growing spiritually was to leave the past behind and strain to what is ahead. (Philippians 3:12-14)
David was wronged in many ways by Saul, by Absalom, and by those who did not remain loyal to him. He “pressed on,” however, knowing that he was a man of vision on a mission. We also must respond to God’s vision and mission. We must press on in love so that the enemy cannot gain a foothold in our lives. David could have ended his mission at any time if he had focused on the wrongs committed against him, but he made a choice to love.
What does it mean to love with Christ’s love? Christ’s love is unconditional, expecting nothing in return; Christ’s love sees the best in us; Christ’s love sees our hurts, our desires, and our needs. Think about someone in your life who is difficult to love. Ask the Lord to help you to overlook the wrongs they have done and to see them through God’s eyes.
Many years ago, I did just that. There was someone in my life who was very difficult. I prayed unceasingly that the Lord would give me love for him and that I would be able to see him through God’s eyes. The Lord began to reveal to me His heart for this person, and compassion, understanding and love began to grow in me. I learned in this season of growth that I did not have to overlook the wrong done to me, but I also did not have to keep a record of the wrong. Keeping a record of the wrong was like keeping a score card, and the negative points kept adding up. It left no room in my heart to see through “kingdom eyes.”
Heavenly Father, Help me to throw away my score card when someone has hurt me. Forgive me where I have at times enjoyed keeping score. Help me to see people through Your eyes of love. In Jesus’ name, Amen
