I Corinthians 13:4-8a
“Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant, It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails”.
Today we will write about how love does not keep an account of a wrong suffered. This goes against human nature. Part of us fantasizes about vengeance. That appetite must be starved. We can’t yield to that as a christian.
Galatians 5:17 gives us insight, “For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.” When we were born again God put a new nature in us. Unfortunately our flesh will remain with us until we die.
How are we to live? Romans 8:13 says, “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Here’s what Jesus said in Matthew 16:24, ‘When Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.”‘
This is how we deal with our flesh, we deny it. I’ve heard people say that they starve it. When feelings of vengeance arise, we ignore them. Pastor Rick says we change the channel. That’s good. It’s easier to fill our minds with new thoughts than to attempt to keep a bad thought out.
I’m at the back side of an incident in which I wrestled with seeing myself as the victor. Thus wanting others to have justice. Very tough. It was a daily struggle. I would always be pleasant. Prior to that I pushed my way strongly. I created ill will. It’s taken years. I feel I’m almost on level ground.
God has been good. If it were left to me it would have been burnt it down. He redeemed it. He allowed me not to keep a record of wrongs. Not easy. He prevailed.
Ephesians 3:16 says, “I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being.” God gives us power to live the way He wants. We aren’t dragged down to the fleshly level, but raised in His Spirit.
Even though it’s in the negative, it’s wonderful. We aren’t to keep a record of wrongs. Thank You, God, for this. Such a big deal.
This is how God works in us. It’s how He works in all His children. He doesn’t want us to live at a low level, but on His kingdom path. Amazing. Thank You, Lord.