I know a friend who has gone through a lot. We all heard the
Bible verse: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s
friends (John 15:13). I see my friend is and has been doing that. Laying down
one’s life’s meaning isn’t bound to just literally dying to save others. It is
more than that. She demonstrates that. Daily. When she chose to care for her
nephews who lost their mother (her only sibling) at an early age. She chose to
do that over her needs, to care for her aging parent now. She sacrificed her life for the sake
of her loved ones or friends who are in need. She did that, out of love. Even if she doesn’t
talk much about God, I know deep in my heart, she continues to demonstrate the
love of God that is in her heart. She always chooses to forgive despite the “unlovable”
doing mean things to her. No one sees that. I see that. I know she doesn’t go
with the flow of what this world’s standard dictates. No matter how hurtful the
words were thrown at her. No matter how negative others perceive of her
sacrificial love, she shows how much she loves them all and readily forgives
the ones who offend her. That’s not easy. To forgive. But to know when to give
that to one who doesn’t deserve and expect nothing back, that is a kind of love
from above. Love surely depends on forgiveness. I just pray, today, as she goes
to help someone out again, no matter how much this person disrespects her
sometimes and utter hurtful things to her, that those people around her will
truly know the true beauty that is in her heart. Because from the garden in her
heart, she offers the tree of love bearing fruits of forgiveness. A lot of work on her part, but so easy for
those surrounding her. All they need to do…is to realize and accept…
Who is a God like you,
who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his
inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. – Micah 7:18 (NIV)
But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.- Matthew 6:15 (ESV)
Lord, I pray for T. who will undergo a heart procedure
today. May it go well under Your Hands. In reality, we all need a heart surgery
as well, Lord. Search our hearts and remove anything that hinders our walk with
You. Lord, may our roots go down deeper in Your grounds of Love. So that we may
bear fruits of love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. I ask that You
guide K. and give her Your wisdom, discernment, healing, and provisions for all
of her needs. Thank You Lord for Your grace, mercy, forgiveness and for Who You
truly are. Help us Lord to have Your strength in all areas of our lives
especially the ability to forgive readily and love those who are hard to love.
Help us remember that none of us deserve Your forgiveness yet You chose to love
us first. Thank You Lord.
