The POP UP Prayer Project

Had something happen to me recently that was quite hurtful. And, I wanted to carry it around with me. Well, I did carry it until this morning when I was reminded of these 3 verses.
I was reminded of the Sermon on the Mount and some treasures within it that help us deal with the icky-ness that others may push our way. Each of these 3 verses teach us how to come alongside those that cause pain in our lives (through their conscience efforts, through passivity/apathy or, perhaps, through their lack of intentional compassion.)
What do these verses teach us?

They teach us that love bears up under the weight of that which has been laid upon our heart because it chooses to look to Him, instead. It realizes that people do things, sometimes even intentionally, that hurt. But, love chooses to go the extra mile anyway and continues to hold out hope and treat others with love and dignity, regardless of how they treat you. It's not an easy journey, at all, but one that love can do with Him walking it with us.

These verses also teach us that love mends. It seeks to repair and restore, stepping toward the other, even when there's little chance that you'll get anything back in return...the giving of your coat with no chance of getting it back. Love gives because we have Him here with us, who gave us His best and now offers us the fullness of Himself as we make space for what He can bring us.

And, these verses teach that love forgives (which is the hardest one for me to remember today.) It knows that people do all kinds of things for all kinds of reasons. But, love chooses to still look to Him for the ability to let the hurt go and choose to see them through His eyes, instead...turning away from the pain and choosing a fresh, new start.

Love goes the extra mile, offers the coat, and turns the other cheek. Because He first did those things for us!