Been thinking quite a bit about Paul laying aside his available and righteous justification/defense/reason to do an act of love that he reckoned was better. I’ve wondered how many thousands of times I have neglected a better, higher way to love, in my quest to vindicate myself.
Now, I’ve kept a pretty good record of these neglects on the part of others close to me, and could craft better ways for “them” in retrospect and in future situations (if they would only do it my way). However, in my quest to specify better ways of loving in others, I conveniently and continually overlook ways for me to love better.
I’m reminded of some Scripture along these lines:
Proverbs 19:11
A person’s wisdom makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
1 Peter 4:7-8
For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer. Above all keep your love for one another fervent, because love covers a multitude of sins.
John 13:34
I give you a new commandment-to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
John 15:13
No one has greater love than this-that one lays down his life for his friends.
But what about their wrongdoing? What do do about the sin?
What about God’s ability to work in your and other’s hearts? What about loving someone into a better state of being? How about trusting Jesus in his death on behalf of those who killed him?
I’m thinking we can trust God with much more than we do, especially in relationships. Especially when hurt and love are hanging in the balance.
Been thinking maybe the Lord is better at this than we are.
Dayn