You must make allowance for each other’s
faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you,
so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must
wear is love. Love is what binds us together in perfect harmony.
A few years ago, I
was deeply hurt by someone that I held in great esteem. This other person didn’t
even realize that they had offended and hurt me. I carried around the pain and
ill effects of unforgiveness and bitterness for quite some time. This
particular offense had me trapped in an angry, depressing dungeon, consuming my
every thought and action, while the other person appeared to be joyful and
unassuming of the pain they had inflicted upon me.
In my mind, I knew I was carrying a load
that I was not meant to carry, but I struggled with how to lay it down and move
forward. Many times I would attempt to drop it at the foot of the cross, and
allow Jesus to heal my troubled heart, but would soon find myself picking it up
again. Weeks and months passed and I
allowed the enemy to fill my mind with false realities of myself and my
calling. I soon became a crumbled mess functioning strictly off of emotions and
feelings. It’s absolutely crazy how one offense threw me totally off track and
rendered me absolutely useless. I was so bound up in my supposed injustice that
God was unable to move me forward in his plan and purpose.
That’s exactly how Satan works; if he can’t
tempt us to slip up with the obvious “big” sins, then he will attempt to
render us useless by reminding us of other’s offenses against us. Our human
nature falls for that one nearly every time, and we tend to dwell on thoughts
of personal injustice and unmet needs, causing our focus to be shifted onto
ourselves rather than on the needs of others.
I will admit that there’s not an instant
answer in resolving hurts and offenses caused by others. Freedom can only come
through a humble heart, diligently seeking to move past the offense, while
covering the offender in a constant prayer of blessing. Yes, I know what you’re
thinking; “Pray blessings over the person that offended me?” That’s exactly what I said. The Bible commands
us to “pray for those who spitefully use us.” That didn’t come from me, but
directly from the Word of God. So, if we are to be true disciples of Christ,
then not only do we need to believe every word written in the Bible, but we
must act upon them, also! It’s only when we step out in faith and act upon the
Word of God that he will bring about deliverance and freedom in our lives.
Are you holding
on to some hurts and offenses? Take some time today and each day after to begin
to pray for the people that have caused those hurts. Keep praying for
them until you feel deliverance and freedom. It may take a few weeks or it may
take months or years. Don’t give up until you see and feel the victory! Don’t allow
Satan to steal your joy any longer!
Have
a great day!
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