FORGIVE BEFORE THE HURT (3)

LOVING THE CHRIST WAY

TEXT: John 3:16

Love is the leading way to a life of victory over hurts and unforgiveness. And like I pointed out, it is not just about loving; it is about loving the Christ way. And this is what we consider briefly on SPIRIT’S SWORD DEVOTIONAL today.

The frank truth is that sometimes it sounds foolish telling someone to forgive and let go especially when hurts come from places you least or never expected. Abel was a victim of hurt from Cain, his blood brother, and in death his blood cried out for vengeance. Joseph suffered hurt from his blood brothers, but he forgave. He suffered hurt from Mr & Mrs Portiphar, but he forgave. The Abel and Joseph’s principles are two options for a man, but Jesus defined the right option which Joseph exemplified – forgive and love unconditionally.

What does it mean to love the Christ way?

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16a).

1)      It is forgiving people without keeping the records of their wrongs (Matthew 18:21-22).

When you keep records of wrongs, you put yourself at risk of unanswered prayers

2)      It means should there arise any opportunity to do good for the person, you do it. In other words; it is not withholding good from them when it is in your power to do so (Proverbs 3:27). This is love and forgiveness. Indeed, “love is kind.” To love Christ way is to give kindness in exchange for hostility and disappointment.

3)       Don’t wish any evil happen to them because “love thinks no evil” (1 Corinthians 13:5c).

When people hurt you, it is ungodly to wish them calamities/misfortunes which in your thought would make them return to apologize to you. This kind of thinking is demonic and can implicate you in destiny and eternity.

4)      It is praying for them and hoping they find God and end well.

If you ever wish someone goes to hell so that they can pay for wronging you, then you are just ahead of them on the way to hell.

Dear friend, if you must overcome hurt and live above unforgiveness, I show you the way to this victorious life – the way of love! You may claim to love God but if you fail the test love, then the scripture says “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” (1 john 4:20).

Peace to you!

Supporting scriptures: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8; 1 John 4:11-21