HOW TO LIVE A LIFE OF LOVE BY NOT TAKING — OFFENSE —
WAITING ON GOD, DOING THE RIGHT THING
1. The Greatest of These is Love:
When we walk in love there is really no need for forgiveness. Isn’t that a new concept? Walk in THE SPIRIT and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Walk in and out of love and you might get anything you choose. So, how do we let go of the self life? That is the love that Christ walked in when He was within his ministry here on earth. It is called:
AGAPE: UNCONDITIONAL, SACRIFICIAL LOVE
2. FORGIVENESS:
One of the most important aspects of the love walk is forgiveness. You simply can’t walk in love toward others if you are holding onto bitterness and grudges. Operative word “holding onto.” What if you never caught it in the first place? Nevertheless, we read that “offenses are bound to come” Holding onto unforgiveness is dangerous, physically, mentally and spiritually. According to Paul in Ephesians where Paul spoke about the relationship between a husband and a wife, it said that if the offended or wounded his wife it would hinder the answer to his prayers. It makes your walk with the Lord inffective. The bible says that if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed youc an say to this mountain, be removed and be cast into the sea and shall not doubt in your heart but believe whatsover you say shall come to pass, you shall have whatsoever you say.” Yet if you have a boulder between you and God…..the offense you have held onto will hinder everything you do in your life. You have offered your life up as a holy sacrifice, which is pleasing unto God.
So, if you carry hurt or offense in your heart toward someone and continue in that realm you will do yourself and those around you great harm. On the other hand, as mentioned earlier, it is much better to not take offense at all, but since we live in a fallen world, it is sometimes very difficult to keep your mind in the correct Shalom peace. So, if at any time this comes about, simply ask God to help you to determine to instantly forgive those who cause you harm in the future. When you do, you’ll keep the door wide open for blessing! It is interesting that I use the word “determine” for we can do nothing except we see our Father do so. Ask and it will be given, knock and the door will be opened,………” So we have not because we ask not. So instead of determining, just get on your knees and ask God to help you walk in love, to not take offense and thank Him for the “if you do sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous ONE. The Holy Spirit is the ONE that will bring you into All truth. Ask and you shall receive.
2. Pray to God to help you to hold your tongue.
Love isn’t rude or critical. It doesn’t need to tell everyone what it thinks all the time. That’s why Proverbs 10:19 tells us, “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” In other words, if you don’t say anything, you’re less likely to fall into sin and step out of love.
Pray this prayer: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight Oh Lord my Redeemer. Ask God to help you see others as He sees them and not to criticize anyone or gossip. It must come directly from the Holy Spirit, as on our own we can DO nothing. Ask the Father to help your words be edifying only. Be a blessing!
3. Love believe the best.
Love believes the best about others. You can decide today to start looking at people the way God does. Don’t assume the person rushing past you at the airport is being rude—perhaps he has a family emergency or is about to miss his flight. Don’t assume the person who looks at you a certain way is someone you won’t like or is untrustworthy. And don’t take gossip at face value. Every story sounds true until you hear the other side (Proverbs 18:17). Begin today to believe the best about others, and watch as your love grows!
4. Decide to not get offended.
What do you do or say when someone cuts you off in traffic? What about when someone criticizes you or speaks rudely to you? Being offended can actually become a habit in your life if you don’t pay attention. Without knowing it, you’ll be on the lookout for those who might dare to offend you. Don’t be that person!
The love line is very narrow. The devil wants to get you off it, so he can take what’s yours. Don’t let him! Remember, taking offense never comes from God. He says we’re to be rooted and grounded in love. So, reject those feelings of offense. Give yourself to that person in love and in prayer. You’ll be able to walk right on through that situation without ever stumbling at all. No matter what—stay on the love line!
When you put these four tips into practice, you’ll become more and more proficient at walking in love and be one step closer to VICTORY. It will keep the airways clear for your prayers and open the door to the supernatural. More importantly, you’ll find you have a newfound peace and joy in your heart—one that will fuel your love for years to come!