Let it Go

 1 Corinthians 13:5 “Love does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

I love making lists. Task lists, pro and con lists, project lists, even lists of goals I would like to accomplish in the coming year. However, there is another type of list that is not very helpful. Some people make a list of individuals who have done wrong against them. They may refer to it as a grudge list or black list. You may not have a physical or handwritten list but many keep a mental list in their head. Your list may include a co-worker, boss, or family member who has hurt your feelings or annoys you. 

 

Paul knew that these relationships are part of life and in 1 Corinthians 13 he shows us that love does not keep score of wrongs. Forgiveness is love in action. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once wrote: “(to love like Jesus) is not a weak, passive love. It is love in action . . .it is a willingness to forgive not seven times, but seventy times seven. “  

 

How about you? Do you have a list of those who wronged you? When someone disappoints or hurts you do you think: “I’ll put that on the list!” Is there someone you need to forgive today? 

 

Forgiveness leads to freedom. Jesus is the ultimate example of one who forgives and each of us benefit from his forgiveness. Take a moment to read and reflect on 1 Corinthians 13:4-5.  And let go of your list of those who have wronged you. 

 

God Bless,

 

Mike