Day 40: Love Is The Way

Romans 11, 12, 13

Have you ever struggled with showing love?  Love is not just for those you get along with.  Love is not just for those you want to love.  True love is for all to give & receive.  I’ve lately been struggling with not being able to love and loving just those that I want to love.  As I struggle to find which way is right, I reflect on Romans 12.  Paul writes to the Romans on what love is.

⁹Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹²Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

¹⁴Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.^[a] Do not be conceited.

¹⁷Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. ¹⁸If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^[b]says the Lord. ²⁰On 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.”^{[c] 21}Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21

As a sense of guilt washed over me, I couldn’t help but feel confused.  How can one hate what is evil but also live at peace with everyone?  I am hurt and confused.  I am angry and bitter.  I am upset that she hasn’t asked for forgiveness.  I pray that I may receive a clearer answer – so that I may truly be able to approach this sensitive matter in the most Christ-like fashion.

Dear Lord, I humbly ask for your forgiveness in my hate and anger.  Spitefully, I seek revenge.  You have however, instructed us to overcome evil with good.  I pray that the Words I have read and the love that I know you have shown to all (whether it was deserved or asked) will soften my anger.  I beseech your wisdom on how to handle this petty matter of men. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.