One of the blessings of the season we are entering is the ability to follow the instruction of our scripture for today. Christ came teaching love, compassion and kindness,
meekness and long-suffering and the one that can sometimes be difficult to give… Forgiveness. I am pretty sure that I can safely say that all of us have had something said or done to us that was so painful that we may have uttered… This day in my history shall not be forgotten! The words said will be with me forever. This is “unforgivable.” When it happens it can steal some things from us.
It can steal sleep. Have you ever sat in the dark rehashing the words or actions of others? It replays over and over and over in your head like a movie.
It can steal your peace. Have you ever been so distraught that every minute of the day and night you are thinking of “the event?” You cannot focus on what you need to be doing. A sudden tightness builds in your chest. Anxiety and not peace have become your constant companion.
It steals your character. The behavior of others can cause you to “lose your Christianity” momentarily. When I was young, I reacted in inappropriate ways to attacks. Then I found Jesus! He has a better way to make things right.
Though I tried hard not to let it happen, there were times that I gave up my peace. Times that even retaliation entered in my mind. It wasn’t until I truly understood what Christ forgave me of, that I got it. The burden of my sinful behavior that he took upon himself as His baggage, and walked it to the cross. He forgave me so that I could stand eternally before God.
Our enemy wants us affected by the world. Maybe a better word would be “infected.” He wants to inflame us daily. He wants our peace to be non existent. The most important thing he desires is for our Christian witness to fall by the wayside. Why that? Because you have the ability to bring others to salvation through Christ. God’s army increases. No need to say more.
If our witness is compromised by conflict with others, what is the result? We are no longer the reflection of the Father. Do you see the plan that the devourer has for each believer? I imagine him smiling in the face of my Father in a “see there, I told you so” way. I am convinced he uses others to continuously try to provoke us.
Thought For Today: Nothing is more important than our witness for Christ. Allowing the enemy to work through others to destroy our peace and witness was planned long ago. Everyone gets to take that test sooner or later. Let us meet our day with our armor on and ready to lift our shield, deflecting those fiery darts and always ready to forgive.
Scripture For Today:
Colossians 3:13
13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Prayer For Today:
Hello Father! We find it hard to overlook the words, devious behavior and anger that is occasionally directed toward us from others. Father, empower us to truly let go. Help us forgive in our hearts and walk forward leaving what has hurt us and stolen our peace, behind. We pray your love and forgiveness of our sins will enable us to extend the same to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Love that Kathy and most definitely something I struggled with. Have a great day!
If we let those who come to hurt us have our peace we lose and they win. Praying for you dear friend. God will bring victory. You are in a “desert” moment but the living water is just across the way.
Thank you ! You and those handsome young men of yours have a Happy Thanksgiving.