Love is...

“The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” 1 Corinthians 6:7

Whenever I read the passage above, it strikes me. I can’t help but ask myself, Nene why not rather be wronged? In fact I wrote down the exact question in my study note next to the passage, and I repeat, Nene, why not rather be wronged?

I now understand why each time I read the passage I stop for a sec to think...hmm interesting. Why? Because until recently, (though I hate to admit) in my subconscious, I’d rather not be wronged! The thought is more of, why should I be wronged? To fully understand where I’m going with this, I’d give you a little background story.

For some months now, I’ve been praying for God to help me love. I want to love people unconditionally more and more, I want to be engulfed with the desire to love people out of a pure and genuine heart, to practice the gift of loving God’s children. Like we all guessed, this quest is highly impossible without the help of God, so I went to God in prayer and asked Him to help me love.

Prior to this, I believe that I always “mechanically” reacted to certain situations, but since God started working on me, I now notice not so good things done to me. I am more aware because, I no longer just react without thinking; my reactions are not on reflex anymore. I am aware of the situation and the fact that I have 2 choices: to react like I would have done in the past or to pray. The reason I say pray is because it feels like a war in my mind. Do I lash out or should I be quiet? Love says be quiet, self says how dare he/she? And I say God please help me love! Quite frankly, I try to pray until the need to avenge goes away.

Why is it an act of love to let things go? Because love covers a multitude of sins and breeds peace; when we overlook wrongs done to us, we cover sins and facilitate peace. Let us not forget that as much as it is in our power, we should be at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18). Some might say it’s not easy. I mean, be practical. Well practically speaking, love is not an easy practice, no it’s not! But it’s one that can eventually master us. It’s only difficult when we feel we can handle the situation or we should handle the situation. If I’m wronged, I now take it to God in prayer, it’s much better, no need fighting a battle I know I won’t win, how about I hand it over to the God who always wins.

When our reactions are not borne out of love, they lead to sin and our eventual defeat…
Why not rather be wronged? Don’t misunderstand the question. We are not to become vessels of abuse in the name of being wronged. No, even Jesus would not allow His father’s house to be abused. John 2:13-17. He responded to the situation, but He did so with love. The main point here is how we respond when we have been mistreated. Remember, A soft answer turneth away wrath (Proverbs 15:1)

Vengeance is mine says the lord Heb 10:30

Happy loving…