“Look Into the Mirror”

Daily Devotional – Thursday, October 14, 2021

"[Love is not] rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.” (1 Corinthians 13:5, NLT)

In Paul’s description of the nature of God’s love—that we are to demonstrate in all aspects of life—he includes characteristics that show up our lack of love and need for improvement in this all important ‘fruit.’

Many of us experience moments when we find ourselves being less than polite, demanding to have our way, getting upset and harbouring grudges. We like to point the finger of blame at others—"If only they would listen to reason; if only they used their common sense; if only they weren’t so overbearing; if only…” However, if we really want to get to the bottom of the source of our irritation, we ought rather to take a good long hard look in the mirror. Our irritations, demands, lack of respect and score keeping all point to deficiencies in ourselves, not others. Yes, others’ actions and attitudes can be problematic, but it’s our responses that are of most concern to God…and that we will all someday have to give an account for.

He has told His children to love their enemies, do good to all and even to pray for those who persecute us. We can not to do these things from a place of bitterness, anger or spite…only from love—God’s agape love—the kind of love we have ourselves experienced from the gracious heart of God even while we were His enemies, spoke ill of Him and made fun of His children.

We all slip in our love quotient, but that does not mean that we shouldn’t be actively working to embody a greater amount of God’s love for others in our lives. Not sure where you’re at? Pay attention to your moments of ‘irritation’…they will provide a measurable clue!
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Pastor Jane