“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven but dwelling on it separates’ close friends.” Proverbs 17:9
Forgiveness allows love to grow. When I choose to not forgive and dwell on the fault, I cause there to be a division or disunity. Separation occurs, separation from others and separation from God. I get to make the choice; to love or to dwell on the fault before me?
Oh, how I want to see love prosper. I want to see it prosper in my life, in my family, in my neighborhood, my community, in the nation and in the world. Love from Christ will heal and restore all that is broken. His love is the answer we are all looking for. It’s the one thing that can make all the difference.
I don’t always get it. Sometimes it’s difficult to process what I’m seeing or experiencing. At times I can’t understand what I’m feeling. But, it’s the love of my Father that grounds me, comforts me and gives me hope and purpose. I make a choice to not dwell on the fault, but to allow love to heal and restore.
I cannot allow what I see, what others say or the uncertainty of it all take center stage in my life. Christ must be my center. His love must be my one thing! And it’s in this one thing, His love, that I can find peace, hope and the courage to love beyond my ability.
I’m so thankful for His love that overwhelms me, for His forgiveness that has saved me and for His presence that fills me. I pray today for divine moments to love those around me. I pray for a supernatural ability to extend forgiveness and love in ways that change my life and others lives around me. Lord, open my eyes and my heart to see every person the way you see them. Let your love for them flow through me and out of me. Lord, I pray to be an ambassador of your love to all people, all the time. Amen.
What is God speaking to you today in Proverbs 17? Share in the comments below or join the conversation in our Journaling Through Proverbs Facebook Group.
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
This scripture seems easy to prove in my own life. Growing up, I have fought with my brothers a whole lot more than with my good friends. I think I have treated my friends with much more care, where with my brothers I have given them “all of me” – the good, the bad, and the ugly without holding back; having no fear of the consequences. I’m pretty sure this was a recipe for destruction!
Of course when we think about the Bible and the first family of Cain and Able – We are shown first hand that “a brother is born for adversity.” I don’t believe that’s a pass for us to just not get along with our blood family. I think we should learn from their example.. not to let jealousy and position get in the way of having peace and love at all times!
My Prayer
Father God I pray you will give me wisdom to treat everyone with special care, to show love like you do! When I open my mouth, let Jesus come pouring out of me! In Jesus Holy name, Amen!
Amen! I too want to love like Him and allow His life to pour out of me! Thank you for sharing.