1 Corinthians 13:5 – “Love does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
One recent morning when out walking, I paused watching a couple of birds in a squabble. A woodpecker with his distinctive red head and a smaller gray bird were both loudly squawking. It appeared they were quibbling over rights as to who could remain on a lofty branch in my neighbor’s tree. Finally, the gray bird gave up and flew away. Although victor of this turf war, the woodpecker continued screeching for several moments after the altercation.
I chuckled because the woodpecker appeared to want all to know of his epic battle and of the wrong he had suffered. Such attributes may be amusing when displayed by my feathered friend, but not so much when my actions mirror his. Even after a conflict has been resolved, I can still dwell on it and continue complaining loudly about my injustice to anyone willing to lend me a sympathetic ear. Such actions could indicate I would rather be a record keeper versus someone who is reflecting the LORD’s love.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You loving us even when we choose to hold onto our hurts and disappointments. Help us learn to cease being record keepers and choose instead to be conveyers of your love. In the Sweet Name of Jesus, Amen.
- Phyliss Hooten
