Getting my wick trimmed...

1 Corinthians 13:1
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

Proverbs 3: 18 & 23
18 Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.
23 Wise people don't make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their folly.

So how does one know that they are not walking in the way of fools but are walking, instead, in God's wisdom? By having love. One knows love because it is evidenced in patience, faithfulness, hope, rejoicing when the truth wins out, and forgiving by keeping no record of wrongs. Love is not irritable, it does not broadcast knowledge like a clanging cymbal, hold grudges, rejoice in injustice, and it is not rude, competitive, jealous or boastful. (1Cor 13:4-7)

I've had a tough week and have past a number of spiritual tests but have failed some too. This is why I'm thinking about love and speech. What am I supposed to do when I am wronged? Love. Do I have a right to be angry about an insult? No.

I was fighting with myself over a few things asking questions like "how many times do I have to be insulted to cut someone off? When is enough enough and how long do I have to endure a scourging tongue and a jealous heart?" And I got this image... Imagine a dynamite wick that keeps getting hacked and hacked so the explosion point gets closer and closer to the person hacking away at it. How long is my wick supposed to be? A lot longer than I think. Luke 17: 4 says "Even if he wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, forgive him."

So I got to thinking how many times I sin and how patient the Lord is - and how incredibly loving and graceful He is for forgiving me of everything. So who am I to hold a list of wrongs against another? My wick should be endless, patient, and kind. And the dynamite (wrath, malice, anger, bitterness, rage...) should be handed over to God so I don't have the burden of taking care of it. Man, it feels so much better. Cheers to no more blow ups and walking in God's Spirit which demonstrates an endless wick! Cheers to love!