A couple living in rural Kiowa, Colorado, has called the noise hotline for the new Denver International Airport more than 1,400 times to complain about jets passing over their home. They have informed airport officials that they won't quit calling until the flight path is changed.

If we estimate 1 minute for each conversation, 1,400 phone calls add up to more than 23 hours of complaints! I won't second-guess the validity of their gripe against the airport, but their tactic made me wonder about the way I handle conflict. Do I repeatedly point out every mistake people make without thinking what it does to them and to me? Or is it my practice to overlook the offenses of others?

First Corinthians 13:5 gives us a guide for dealing with problems in our relationships. It all hinges on love. Love is not easily provoked to anger. It "thinks no evil" by refusing to keep a record of wrongs. Anger puts every offense on an endless playback loop, but love turns off the switch.

At work, at home, at church, we need to ask the Lord to give us the courage to abandon the playback button and make frequent use of erase. Let's show His love by keeping no record of wrongs.  — David C. McCasland