Daily Devotional

Loving… In Spite of…

By Tanya S. Martin-James
This week's topic: A Love For God's People

In life, there are many things we can assume will happen at some point.

Someone will hurt your feelings.

Someone will disappoint you.

Someone will mistreat you.

Someone will speak negatively about you.

Someone will misunderstand you.

Someone may even intentionally misuse or abuse you.

In spite of all of those negative things (and more) that may take place, God’s command is simple.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12

God never said that people would not let us down or wouldn’t cause us pain. Yet He did plainly tell us that we are STILL commanded to love them as He has loved us. We can’t walk around keeping score of the wrongs and constantly reminding people of their faults. Even worst, we should never contemplate ways to return hurt to people for the things they’ve done to us.

Matter of fact, if we are really honest with ourselves, we could make another list that looks like this:

I have hurt someone’s feelings.

I have disappointed someone.

I have mistreated someone.

I have spoken negatively about someone.

I have misunderstood someone.

I may have even intentionally misused or abused someone.

If that list is true, I believe we can come up with reasons why our behavior should be excused and forgiven. We must extend the same grace and mercy that we would like others to extend to us. No longer can we live with double standards.

Is this a simple task? Not at all.

Will it be a painful process sometimes? Most definitely. However, the next time you are tempted to hold back your love from others, just think about how awful it would be if God held back His love from you.

Scripture of the Day: “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” - Romans 12:17-19

Tanya Martin James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality and Coffee Moments: A Work in Progress http://www.armedanddangerous.biz She also blogs at http://www.mycoffeemoments.com

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