“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” (1 Cor 13:4-5). One of the best things you can do for your family is to show them mercy. Mercy is love in action. So, when you overlook irritations and choose to be kind to your family, even when they don’t deserve it, you are being merciful. Another meaningful way to show mercy in your home is to let go of past hurts. Do you keep a mental record every time someone in your family does something wrong? Are you quick to remind someone of how they have hurt you? The Bible says that real love doesn’t store up hurts and offences to be used later for revenge. When you hold on to hurt like that, you are not loving.
Notice how “rude” and “resentful” are in the same verse. That’s the reason people are rude. They react to a past hurt they have been holding on to and then take it out on others. And when they respond to past pain, they can’t relate to the present. Leviticus 19: 18 says, “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the Lord.” Are past grudges holding you, hostage today? Don’t hold grudges over your spouse or children, and don’t tell other people about your grievances either. That’s gossip! Instead, just let it go. Sometimes it’s hardest to show mercy to others, but when you can let it go and be merciful, you are learning to be more like Jesus.
