Dr. Charles Stanley 14 February 2023 In Touch Daily Devotional
You are welcome to Today’s In Touch Daily Devotional written by Dr Charles Stanley and published by In Touch Ministry. Charles F. Stanley is the founder of In Touch Ministries and a New York Times best-selling author. He demonstrates a keen awareness of people’s needs and provides Christ-centered biblically-based principles for everyday life.
Tuesday Reflection: Forgiveness: An Act of Love
Healing for our heart comes when we let go of an offense and trust God.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
In Touch Devotional 14th February 2023 Message:
Forgiving people who’ve wronged us is a tough command to follow. We naturally want to lash out at those who hurt us. Instead of releasing the offense, we replay the mistreatment, relive the pain, and stoke the anger. Aren’t you glad God doesn’t do that with us? We’re never more like Christ than when we forgive.
First Corinthians 13 is known as the love chapter, but did you know that the descriptions of love in verse 5 also relate to forgiveness?
Love does not seek its own benefit. When we’ve been wronged, we want our rights, but God’s love seeks what’s best for the other person.
Love is not provoked. It’s to our glory if we overlook wrongdoing rather than respond with irritation or anger (Proverbs 19:11). “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8), but rage and resentment add to the problem.
Love does not keep an account of a wrong suffered. Keeping a list of grudges kills relationships, but forgiveness brings healing and possible restoration.
People at times will wrong us. But if we’re yielded to the Holy Spirit, we can have a peaceful, loving heart that’s not preoccupied with our rights, easily provoked, or burdened with grudges.
Bible in One Year: Numbers 17-19