Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love…keeps no record of when it has been wronged. 1 Corinthians 13:5
DEAR GOD,
It has been three years since my parents’ divorce. I have struggled to be patient with you on this one. I know you have a plan and that I just can’t see it. Still, I wish things were different. I wish my parents were still together.
Last month I went to visit my dad. He hasn’t changed much. Sure, he likes to buy me things. Doesn’t he know that I’ll love him no matter what he does? And then he goes off on Mom. He’s very bitter, but none of the things he says about Mom are true. He used to tell me that true love could weather any storm. I guess true love couldn’t weather his storms. I haven’t heard from him since I got home, not even a quick phone call. Give me the strength to love my dad, God, even when he lets me down. I know he needs love as badly as anyone.
And you know that Mom is no easier for me to love. She doesn’t give a rip about who I am or what’s going on in my life. Last week she asked me how I was doing in Algebra. I finished Algebra last semester! Whenever I try to talk to her, she doesn’t listen. She just keeps right on working. She says she’s doing it for me. Yeah, right. If she wanted to do something for me, she would get back together with Dad and listen to me when I talk to her. Oh God, give me the strength to love my mom even when she disappoints me.
You see each time my parents let me down, Lord. Help me to stay faithful to you and help me to love my parents. I know it is what you want, so I want it too.
Love,
LeShona
You can see in those words the heart of a student who loves God and others more than herself. How can you tell? Because LeShona is obviously more concerned about loving her parents than about their failure to love her. That’s the kind of love Jesus came to earth to demonstrate. He didn’t keep score of the hurts he suffered. He loved everyone just where they were. He even asked his Father to forgive the people who crucified him (see Luke 23:34).
Your situation might not be as bad as LeShona’s. On the other hand, it might be a lot worse. Either way, Christ calls you to love as he loves, focusing on loving others and not fixating on how others have failed to love you. If Jesus can love the people who murdered him, he can help you love people who fail you.
REFLECT: Who in your life do you pick apart-looking only at his or her faults? Are you keeping score of hurts you suffer?
PRAY: Talk to God today about people you have a hard time loving.
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