Love Always Forgives

Love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil.                                                                                                                                                     -1 Corinthians 13:5

Love always forgives. Forgiveness is one of the offsprings of love. The Amplified Bible says it this way:

[Love] is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride): it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

Galatians 5:6 talks about “faith which works by love.” Love forgives, so we could say faith works by forgiveness. Isn’t that what Jesus was trying to tell us in Mark 11:25? “And when you stand praying, forgive…” Faith works by love, and love always forgives, therefore, faith works by forgiveness.

First Corinthians 13:5 goes on to say that love “does not seek her own.” The Revised Standard Version says, “Love does not insist on its own way.” Goodspeed says, “It does not insist on its own rights.” How often have we said, “I’ve got my rights!” No, love doesn’t insist on its own rights.

Love “is not easily provoked, thinks no evil” The New English Bible says that love is “not quick to take offense.” Love keeps no score of wrongs. It never remembers the wrongs done by others. Now, flesh will say, “I remember what that old bat did to me.” But love doesn’t take any account of the evil done to it because love always forgives.

CONFESSION:

I walk in love because my Father is love. I am not conceited or arrogant, prideful or rude. I don’t insist on my own rights or keep a score of wrongs. I am not quick to take offense, but I am quick to forgive. My faith works because I walk in love.

From: A Devotional for Divine Health Prescription for a Miracle, Mark Brazee, 1999