LOVE FORGIVESSample

Job 17:11-12 - My days have passed; my plans are shattered. Yet the desires of my heart turn night into day; in the face of the darkness light is near.

Job was in the darkest place of His life. I’ve learned that unforgiving takes you to a similar place. Everything in your world, even the beautiful things, seem to cave in when we can’t find a way to forgive. We are tormented when we don't forgive. We forget that in the face of darkness, light is near. 

The beauty comes when we allow God into the depth of our pain. The beauty comes when we make a choice to forgive. The daylight breaks through when we see people through the eyes of Jesus. The eyes of LOVE. 

Not only did my brother and I receive forgiveness, but my parents and I are having conversations that should have happened years ago, but fear held me back from having them. I had to let go of pain and pride to let my healing begin. I had to surrender to Jesus. I had to start having hard and very uncomfortable conversations with God and my family. This combination brought the miracle of forgiveness I was praying for. If I hadn’t been obedient, I wouldn’t have received the miracle. 

In Romans, God shares with us how to live a life of Love. In the NIV it actually titles the section of Romans 12, Love in Action.

Romans 12:9-21 - Love in Action

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. (Emphasis added)

What if we truly lived out Romans 12:9-21? 

What if we held our tongue in our frustration and prayed a blessing first, and then responded? 

What if we looked for the needs in other’s lives before our own? 

What if we slowed down enough to rejoice with our friends as well as mourn with our friends?

What if we stopped looking down at others in our pride and started serving others who need help? 

I’m still a work in progress on learning this biblical lifestyle as well, but what if Romans 12 became our everyday style?

What if we fed the person who frustrates us? 

What if…. 

What if we looked into the darkness in their eyes and saw Jesus?