Have you thanked Him?
Have you praised Him?
Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?
Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?
1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)
1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.
I had a client stop by the Jeremiah Tree yesterday who presented quite the quandary. She was deeply bitter from betrayal. What seemed so secure for more than 50 years was shattered suddenly without warning and she was angry, confused, challenged and heading toward vengeful.
Betrayal is tough. We’ve invested, likely shared deeply and then without warning what we thought could be completely trusted suddenly can’t be any longer?
Things like that will knock us off our pins for sure.
And it is not a surprise that our initial reaction is hurt and anger. It is not a surprise that our desire to “return the favor” surfaces. We are only human after all.
Yet GOD makes it clear that as believers and followers of Jesus, we are called to extend grace and not retaliate; that forgiveness is the right response when others cause hurt. For we have not only been granted grace and mercy; we have been GIVEN mercy to share! As believers we have His mercy. Therefore mercy should be our response. Revenge or even a simple grudge does not align with the “new us”. And we are "NEW" remember?
2 Corinthians 5:17
When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world.
It is true however. For many of us extending mercy in favor of retaliation is a WHOLE NEW WORLD. But we called to do so or run the risk of being judged harshly for our own failures and mistakes.
James 2:13
Yes, you must show mercy to others. If you do not show mercy, then God will not show mercy to you when he judges you. But the one who shows mercy can stand without fear before the Judge.
No one, especially not me, claims that forgiving an offense is easy to do. Some situations, circumstances and offenses can seem undeserving of clemency or grace. This one in my office yesterday would fit that bill.
However, God knows—and we all must understand—that offering mercy is far better for the wronged person than living with the alternatives: bitterness, revenge, and anger gnaw at the spirit until they consume good will, good health, and clear thinking. And for folks in our condition that can often lead to relapse or worse.
Remember!
Forgiveness is a supernatural thing and the Holy Spirit will never fail to help us forgive. He will gently draw out our hurt, betrayal, and anger—and then refill our heart with mercy. We just need to call on Him.
Perhaps you, like my new friend are embroiled in a situation or circumstance that seems to call for revenge or an angry response. Instead of giving over to those hurtful emotions, pray.
Ask GOD to stimulate the mercy He has deposited in you and experience the power and freedom of forgiveness.
Colossians 3:13
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
You won't regret it.
I love you all…
Freedom Church
Pastor GDelaney
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