God’s Love Transforms Us (Something to think about this Valentine’s Day)
Unresolved conflict has a way of consuming us. It occupies our minds, tightens our stomachs and sets our hearts racing.
The longer disputes continue, the more resentment grows and the harder it is to forgive. Eventually, reconciliation can feel completely out of reach.
When this happens, our spiritual journey often gets sidetracked.
Have you noticed that when your heart is filled with unforgiveness toward one person, you’re more likely to also feel anger toward others? Conflict has a way of spreading, often reshaping who we are.
This forces us to ask hard questions:
- What kind of person am I becoming?
- More importantly, do my attitudes and responses jeopardize my witness as a follower of Christ?
Ephesians 4:32-32 (ESV) speaks clearly to this struggle:
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you
The harm caused by anger and unforgiveness often outlasts the conflict itself. Does this reality grieve us enough to confess our unforgiving attitudes as sin – and recognize that they don’t reflect the heart of a genuine Christ-follower?
I know how deeply I need God’s mercy. Every day. All day. If God treated me according to what I deserve, especially on my worst days, I could not stand under His just judgment. His mercy toward me calls me to extend mercy to others, even when they’re having their worst days too.
When we refuse God’s love, we …
- cheat ourselves
- grieve the Holy Spirit
- and shortchange our families and communities.
Bitterness changes us, making us less than the person we want to model to our children and grandchildren.
God’s love transforms us into a person whom our children and grandchildren will want to emulate. A person who models forgiveness because we too fall short. Way too often.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, we think of love shown through cards, chocolates and romantic gestures. However, Scripture directs us to a more profound love – one that calls for humility and forgiveness.
Bitterness is different. It hardens us. We see it everywhere on social media, in our communities, even in our homes. But during this month of love, our hearts (and lives) can be transformed by God’s incredible love for us.
The more secure we are in Christ’s love, the more peace we experience in our relationships and the more faithfully we respond to conflict. Mercifully, we find that grace can survive. Love can endure.
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)
- How do unresolved conflicts affect you—and your other relationships?
- How is bitterness and unforgiveness changing you?
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Donald Trump should read this post.
Hello, Arthur. It’s good to see you.
To be completely honest, I need to read this post. 🙂
As I often say, God often convicts me as I write my weekly devotions.
The harm caused by anger and unforgiveness often outlasts the conflict itself.
This is such a good post. I have a friend I am avoiding due to her angry spirit which I never know when it will be triggered and she will lash out at me. Love can’t be seen when that is a factor. It is very sad because I know she needs friends.
Wow, Janice. I understand (sadly, all too well). I admire your compassion toward your friend. Keep praying for her. AND … please pray for me (and others) so we won’t give up. And I’ll (we’ll) pray for you too!
Bitterness changes us, making us less than the person we want to model to our children and grandchildren.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. …” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Are you rejoicing in truth today? Then you are being obedient to the Father in mercy towards others where patience, kindness and love abounds! “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23. Do you share the fruits of the Spirit towards others daily? Depend on God’s Spirit in grace! Thanks for sharing your devotion with us today, Sheryl! ️
EXCELLENT comment, Kim. Your “Are you rejoicing in truth today? Then you are being obedient to the Father in mercy towards others where patience, kindness and love abounds!” statement is quite good!
Another thought provoking message.
Bitterness can eat at you like poison.
I’ve given it up for redemption and my marriage is stronger than ever.
Happy Valentines day.
We must be the strangest couple because we don’t go out of our way to actually delegate it. For us, every day is to be celebrated with our love and respect for each other.
I kid you not.
I meant to write celebrate and not delegate.
I don’t think you and your husband are strange at all, Sandra. In fact, I would love to say Bert and I treat each other as if it were Valentine’s Day every day.
Thankfully, we’re getting better at it!
Great words again, Sandra! Thank you. And thank you for the compliment too.