“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death” (1 John 3:14).
The scripture above reveals to us the “love-test.” We know we’ve passed from death to life because we love the brethren! As a Christian, you must make the categorical choice to walk in love always, and forgive others whatever wrong they might have done against you. Decide that there’ll never be anybody anywhere that you’ll begrudge, dislike or be bitter against.
It doesn’t matter the extent of hatred and animosity you may experience from those around you, you have the obligation as a Christian to love and not to hate, hence you must learn to forgive those who hurt or do you wrong. Consider Jesus, as they nailed Him to the cross and cursed Him. He looked up to heaven and said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). That’s love! He could have destroyed them all in a moment of time, but His love overlooked their ignorance and forgave their wrongs.
Love forgives easily. Do you remember the story of Stephen? The Jews stirred up false charges against him for preaching Jesus and they ordered his execution. The Bible says, “…as the murderous stones came hurtling at him, Stephen… fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” and with that, he died” (Acts 7:59-60 TLB); that’s love! Even at the point of death, he didn’t ask God to avenge him or punish his accusers; he prayed that God would forgive them.
Can you look into your life and confidently say that you hold nothing against anyone? Can you love the most difficult people even in the most difficult circumstances? It’s time to make that choice today, because you can! The Bible says the love of God is shed abroad in your heart by the Holy Ghost (Romans 5:5).
It’s time to forgive those who have wronged you, and choose to love them. Remember, every man is worth the blood of Jesus Christ, so make up your mind to walk in love today.
Confession
My heart is full of love, because the love of God has been deposited in my spirit by the Holy Ghost. I make a choice today to love everyone that I meet, irrespective of how they may treat me. I will cover those I meet with grace, and shield them with my umbrella of love, in the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Further Study:
Romans 12:9-10
Mark 11:25-26
Romans 13:10
(Taken by permission from Christ Embassy Church , aka Believer’s LoveWorld Ministries , Lagos, Nigeria. www.ChristEmbassy.org )
