Men, how can we say we role model the love of God when we think or meditate on anything evil? Evil thoughts of resentment, retribution, or how we may pay back someone who has hurt us, now or in the past, grieves the Holy Spirit within us. In turn, this eclipses and hinders the love of God from flowing through us.
Matthew 5:45 says, "That we may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."
Romans 12:17-19 says, "Recompense to no man evil for evil... Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves... for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the lord."
This is why, as Christians, we should not take one another to court. We should not think or plan on how we may destroy or damage anyone who may have harmed us.
Jesus Christ, in His famous Sermon on the Mount speaks much on this subject. Matthew 5:44-45 says, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love they neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute your: that ye may be the children of your Father which is heaven."
Men, our sons and daughters need to see us role modeling this kind of love. This is real love.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell