1 Kings 15:25–17:24
Acts 10:24-48
Psalm 134:1-3
Proverbs 17:9-11
BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:
Proverbs 17:9 (NLT) "Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends."
REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):
After well over a decade of counseling men and women, I am convinced that one of the biggest problems we all have is forgiving those who have wronged us.
God has placed within us a clear sense of right and wrong and a desire for justice when wrongs are committed. Yet, when we add to this our self-centered sin nature that tends to make ourselves the center of the universe, this contorts the matter. Instead of offering grace when an injustice has been done against us, we hold onto the offense. We refuse to let it go. We reflect on it in our minds until our heart rate increases, our blood pressure rises and our breathing becomes more noticeable.
But, when we look at unforgiveness as it really is, we come to see that it is dumb. I mean really stupid! Because, someone who refuses to forgive is essentially saying, "You have wronged me and I will continue to hold onto that memory until it works to destroy me."
That's where our Verse for Today comes in. It tells us that when we forgive others (implying that they have wronged us), then love is free to thrive in that relationship. We can move toward relational and emotional health. However, if we hold onto it, even the closest of relationships can be destroyed as it destroys us.
Friend, any pagan can love those who love them and hold onto offenses when they are wronged. If you are a follow of Jesus, you are held to a higher standard AND empowered by the Holy Spirit to do so.
So forgive those who have wronged you.
Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) "Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
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