LOVE-OLOGY

“Do Yourself a Favor…Forgive”
Pastor Joy Levy – February 26, 2023

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT) — Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

When we refuse to forgive, we are in disobedience to God’s Word. We open a door for Satan to start all kinds of trouble in our lives. We hinder the flow of love toward others. Our faith is blocked and our prayers are hindered. We are miserable and lose our joy. Our attitudes are poisoned and we spew the poison onto everyone we meet. The price we pay to hang on to our bitter feelings is definitely not worth it. Unforgiveness does have devastating effects, so do yourself a favor... forgive!”

- Joyce Meyer

How To Stop Keeping The Record of Wrongs

1. I RECEIVE AND REMEMBER God’s abundant grace for me.
   
   2 Corinthians 5:19 (NLT) — For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.
   

   Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) — Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
   

2. I will STOP keeping the record by INTENTIONALLY RELEASING my grudges, bitterness, and unforgiveness to the Lord.
   

   Psalm 55:22 (AMP) — Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you;
   
   Romans 12:17-19 (NLT) — Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.
   

3. I WILL PRAY for others, INCLUDING those who have hurt me.
   

   Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) — And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
   

   Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV) — “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…
   

   1 Peter 3:9 (NIV) — Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.