HOW MIGHT IT FEEL TO LOOK AT SOMEONE WHO HAS HURT YOU?
Here’s one way of thinking about forgiveness –the question that arises commonly from the hurtful ones is: how might it feel to look at someone who has hurt you so painfully and would not feel antagonistic? Is this really possible? It is possible, because Scripture proves Christ right.
From the world’s viewpoint, you would be right to be angry, and not tempted to act or feel heavy towards the offender. On the contrary, the Lord through the Scripture tells us to forgive without strings attached. It doesn’t matter how big, how sorrowful, or how mountainous the hurt is.
It all comes down to letting it “GO,” says the Lord. “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” [Mark 11:25, ESV]
Naturally, from our human instinct, we hold pieces of the scraps that still draw us back into the reminiscence of the past. Some counsellors may tell you to “forgive” but also accentuate that forgiveness does not require immediate reconciliation with the wrongdoer. Oh well, think about Mark 11:25 again.
Notwithstanding the fact, Scripture tells us to forgive completely. So which report are you going to adhere to? The Lord God, or the many voices in your head? Stick to Scripture because, as a Christian, it is not a choice to hold back any scraps.
While we should rebuild trust and safe boundaries in the case of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and there are many, many of them, but just a couple to mention, we should not forget that the Lord Jesus went on the Cross to die for all our offences so that we will be saved and welcomed into the Kingdom of his Father.
Saved in this text here also means salvation for us, which includes total forgiveness for the sins of our hurts to others that are forgiven by Christ.
Can you take solace from the story of Joseph without me taking you afar? Have you ever been hurt more than Joseph in your life? Do you remember the story of Joseph in the hands of his own brothers, into slavery – and his journey to Egypt?
If you’re severely hurt by anyone whatsoever, this piece of message gives you the time to sit back, reflect and revisit the scripture to study the story of Joseph. Maybe Joseph is talking to you today if you already know Joseph’s predicament before he became the second most powerful man in the palace of Egypt and the entire nation.
What God can do beyond the hurt. The crowning of Joseph by Pharaoh in the land of Egypt shows us God’s purpose for mankind. “You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” [Genesis 40:41, ESV]. God uses our suffering and weaknesses to refine us and position us. Are you going to let that hurt go?
Joseph’s brothers attempted to murder him by casting him into a pit, sold him into slavery to the Ishmaelites, and ended up in prison in Egypt for more than a decade, but eventually found favour from the Lord. His agony turned into triumph ultimately.
Joseph forgave his brothers upon meeting them, and Joseph’s forgiveness statement is one of the most honest and chilling forgiveness messages recorded in the Bible. “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” [Genesis 50:20, ESV]
So, if you think you cannot forgive for the reason that you’ve been hurt so painfully by a colleague, a sibling(s) of yours, and therefore there is no way you can let it “GO,” remember Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross for you too. Secondly, keep in mind Joseph and his brothers who sold him into slavery.
The Lord’s faithfulness is with all of his followers at every moment of their suffering and weakness. If you will allow him, he will take on your hurt just as he did for Joseph. This shows us that no matter our circumstances, God is with us faithfully.
You are your own enemy if you resist extending the olive branch for forgiveness, if you allow unnecessary pride to fill your heart, resisting to forgive one another.
Whether Joseph was in a pit, a prison, or a palace, God’s presence never left him.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” [Romans 8:28, ESV]
Do not get me wrong; it is extremely difficult for many to shake hands, but count it a blessing if you let it “GO” since Christ Jesus tells us to forgive one another and the Scripture buttresses Christ’s statement.
If you love God, you will forgive. We should remember that those who love God are called by him. Are you called by the Lord? Do you want to be? If you are struggling, ask for help from the Holy Spirit and leave it to the Lord to settle the scores.
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” [Romans 12:19, ESV]
We are told several times that as Christians we should overcome the devil with good and not take revenge, but leave it for God’s judgment. Are you? I would. Trust the Lord; keep the Faith and keep Hope alive.
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