Sometimes in relationships, (marital, friendships, families) things are not quite what we expect, and we get discouraged or hurt, even angry. Sooner or later when we have said ALL, but really have not said ANYTHING AT ALL, we decide to make our own little book of records, and guess what? Yup, we go back, back, to the very smallest thing the person with the conflict at hand did to us, and REMEMBER ALL the “ins” and “outs” of the conversations, the looks that were crossed, even the hand gestures. C’mon, you know this is true.

Now, why would someone do this? Perhaps because by making the other person look bad, you can cover any defect you might have. You keep records to refer to them. You say “I won’t forget that!” you are true to your word and at the right moment, you pull out your little book of records and you start to read.

You recall every bad incident.

Did you know that in that precise moment you are like the devil when you do that? For the devil is the accuser (Rev.12:10) When You POINT THE FINGER, you are not being Jesus, you are being the devil.Yup, there’s no exaggeration there. There is no in between or it was just a little accusation. So you wonder, how did I get here? How did I get to this prison where I allowed myself to be fervently used by my adversary?

Truth be told, you held in too long.“Oh but, you don’t understand, my husband/my wife/my best friend/my cousin/my business partner, they really hurt me/let me down/disappointed me”

This bleakness, sadly, often becomes bitterness. It’s always easier when you have the upper hand, but trust me, you don’t want to be in the hot seat, when that book is reversed on you. The word of God says he who lacks wisdom, ask and it will be given (James 1:5) And get this, Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs (Proverbs 10:12).

Is this your scenario? My answer to you is this: this is your free ticket for intimacy with God. Allow this mishap to allure you into really knowing your Creator. Who knows if this was not an opportunity for this encounter to take place in your life? He holds ALL the records of humanity, BUT EVEN HE, will not pull out the book of your wrongs, but highlight ALL your RIGHTS!

Don’t hold it in!

Speak, but speak your words seasoned with salt. It is a dangerous thing to hold all that repression inside. And life is too beautiful, there is more to come into your relationship, don’t drown it with weeds, but garnish it with fruitfulness. Don’t wait to point the finger, instead, embrace the possibility of UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.

I Corinthians 13

The Message