But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping
for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will
be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
Luke 6:35
True love is unconditional. It does not seek to
please self but protects, trusts, and preserves. It is difficult for
us to have patience and to be kind when we have been done wrong. Our
human nature desires to seek revenge, to make them pay for the hurt
and pain they have inflicted upon us. True love surpasses these
feelings, and hopes for the things that are not seen. God is a God
of love, mercy and grace. We have been the recipients of God’s
love and mercy, yet expect that when we have suffered injustice that
others should pay the price. We can’t have our cake and eat it as
well. If we claim the love of God abides within us, the evidence
must follow. Sure, we can obtain a moment’s gratification from
revenge, but we will also gain the baggage of bitterness that
accompanies it. It is up to us to make a choice to forgive and to
love regardless of whom, when, and how. Seems a difficult task, but
one that can be accomplished, with the power of the Holy Spirit that
dwells within each of us.
Prayer
Lord give us the ability to go beyond what is
normal and acceptable and to love beyond measure. We choose to love,
and extend forgiveness and mercy to those who have offended us. You
are our avenger, and we place our feelings of anger and hurt into
your hands. Perfect your love within us, and allow us to embrace our
offenders and prevail, In Jesus name we ask. Amen.
