Mar 31 – Love Thinks No Evil !

“Love … thinks no evil” (1 Corinthians 13:5,).

To remember a wrong without forgiving it, and to wait for an opportunity to repay evil for evil—this is not the nature of love. Love forgives and forgets. It never keeps a record of wrongs. It does not harbour thoughts of revenge.

Among animals, it is said that the elephant has a remarkable memory. It may remember an injury for many years without forgetting it.

Once, a boy pretended to offer a coconut to an elephant. When the elephant broke it open eagerly, it found the inside filled with lime mortar, hurting and burning its trunk. The elephant never forgot that incident. Years later, when the boy had grown into a young man, the elephant recognized him in a crowd, chased him, and trampled him to death. In the same way, many people today carry bitterness, resentment, and thoughts of revenge in their hearts.

But love never thinks evil. Children of God, with divine love forgive the wrongs of others—and forget them as well. The Scripture says: “And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32,).

There was once a police officer chasing a thief. The officer was astonished at the speed with which the thief ran—it was fast like that of an Olympic athlete. Instead of merely arresting and imprisoning him, the officer decided to rather transform him into a champion runner.

Using a loudspeaker, he called out kindly, assuring the thief he would not punish him. The frightened man, who had been running for his life, stopped. The officer encouraged him, praised his speed, provided him with training, proper clothing, and nourishment, and instilled in him love for his country. In time, that former thief represented his country in Olympics and brought honour to the nation.

Man sinned and, unable to stand before a holy God, hid among the trees. He fled from God’s presence, fearing judgment and punishment. But Christ came seeking us—not to condemn us, but to love us and make us His own children.

Children of God, let that love be practiced daily. Let rivers of love flow from your heart—toward Jesus, the Lover of your soul, and toward your brothers and sisters. Love never thinks evil. It chooses sacrifice over revenge.

Verse for further meditation: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17,).