Forgiveness
Mark 11:25 (NLT) But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.
As human beings, one of the most difficult things the Lord asks us to do is forgive. Our natural tendency is to defend ourselves and fight for our rights. When we are attacked, our defense mechanism kicks in and we want to strike back and perhaps even retaliate.
I think it's the most difficult when we are hurt or rejected by those we are closest to or have done the most for. When the enemy sends a fiery dart that comes out of left field... oh the pain that's inflicted! It can stir up even the most deeply rooted insecurities and cause us to want to react in a very ungodly manner.
The only hope for solace in those moments is to cry out to Jesus, vent and share your heart. He knows what's hurting you and exactly what you need, but He's waiting for you to tell Him all about it, admit you can't handle the pain on your own and you desperately need His help. You're human and He knows exactly how you are designed and what you can and cannot handle, but it's really not about that. It's about trusting Him for comfort and strength in the midst of difficult situations; drawing closer to Jesus in every trial and allowing His strength to replace our pain and weakness; trusting Him to mend our broken heart and most of all... knowing that our natural reaction is not the best option. We must ask Him to reveal His love and mercy toward the offender and pray that God moves in their heart. It's hard but we need to take our hands off and allow God to do what He needs to do to rectify the situation.
Romans 12:19 (NLT) Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.
God's revenge is perfect and sweet. When He is allowed to handle it, He will bring about conviction and open their eyes so that repentance, healing and reconciliation can take place. But regardless of the outcome our responsibility is to forgive and love even when it's unrequited. We do it, not because it's deserved but because of our love for the One who has forgiven us. Jesus is worth it!
Isaiah 54:17 (NLT) But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!
