Love

Why is it that we hurt and are hurt by the ones we love the most? A simple answer is that the world will not put up with us long enough for us to hurt them. The worldly attitude is one of zero tolerance--no second chances. (Just look around the next time you accidentally cut someone off in traffic.) Christians are bound to hang in there though when we are being hurt not only by the world but even by those that love us and are loved by us the most. The world offers an easy way out divorce, revenge, withdraw, alcohol, drugs, violence, and the list is near infinite.
Christ suffered abuse for our sake because he loved us. Remember to follow Jesus' example and not only pray for your enemies, but forgive those that hurt you, especially those that are closest to you, and loved the most by you. Here is where true Christian character is tested. It is easier to forgive the world. In a sense it is distant from us. But do we have what it takes to absorb hurt from those closest to us without striking out in like turn with an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, by building walls and shutting one another out, or giving up altogether. Will you see the beauty in and the peace that comes from acting out this biblical principle, "Love covers a multitude of sins"? If you are waiting for the one that has offended you to "get right" the wait may be long and to no avail. Is this the way Jesus displayed his love for us? On the contrary while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Love is not always only for those that deserve it! Or are you one that is without offence?