What's Love Got To Do With It?

One of the hardest things for us to do is to forgive when we've been wronged. And depending on who did it, and the level of hurt it caused, can play a huge role in our ability to move on.

Jesus knows that forgiveness isn't easy, but He still requires it of us. He modeled it for us on the cross and throughout His life, so who are we to think that we don't have to do the same? We have to carry our own crosses daily too (Luke 9:23). That's why he stressed to Peter the importance of forgiveness when He said to forgive seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22). Peter was like, (Val's version lol), "I know, Jesus, that you want us to forgive people, but truly seven times is enough to let those jokers off the hook, right?" Doesn't Peter sound like us? Continual forgiveness just sounds too much like we're allowing the person to take us for granted.

Forgiveness is not an option, but I am a huge supporter of using wisdom in how we deal with hurt and the people that caused the hurt. We have to give God room to speak to our hearts about how to handle ourselves and the situation. The key is making sure that the wisdom we seek is indeed Godly wisdom and not our own emotions. When Jesus said in John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another." Walking in love also means forgiving when it's hard too and we have to be open to God's instructions for how to move forward.

But Jesus didn't intend for us to do this alone. He loves us and wants to give us wisdom for every area of life. That's why He tells us to cast our burden on Him because He cares about us (1 Peter 5:6-7), but verse six tells us first to humble ourselves before the Lord and then cast our care upon Him. Walking in love truly takes humility and maturity. We have to lean into God to be able to show the kind of love that He expects for us to walk in. And thankfully it's a love that we grow in as we continue in this journey with Christ. It's definitely not always easy, but the fruit of our labor will show as a result of our obedience.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord, please help us to forgive. I mean, forgive for real. It's hard sometimes to let things go because we have thoughts that continue to swirl around in our minds about the situation. But you have told us to cast down every thought and imagination that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). As we do this in faith, we want to be healed, made whole, and free in every way. Thank you for doing so in our souls that we may truly be alive in you! Amen.