When I first read the scripture ‘love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you…’ (Matthew 5:44) I begun reflecting on all the hurts and pain that some people had caused me and I managed to convince myself that it’s not logical for that scripture to be acted upon.
Then on Sunday, the sermon preached was from Luke 6: 27-29 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either “and I kept wondering in my mind how do I pray for a person whose name stirs up so much hatred in me, how do I even come up with the words to say in prayer? What exactly is God expecting me to say? That I hate him so much and I wish he was dead? I mean it doesn’t make sense!”
These were the words of a lady who was sexually abused by her own father and just couldn’t come to the reality of the Word of God.
You might equally have your own experience of hurts and deep scars from close relations or other people that humanly speaking, seems impossible to completely let go. Yet the word of God admonishes us to forgive 70*7 (Matthew 18:22) irrespective of the weight of the offence.
Consider Jesus, our standard and example. He was betrayed, back stabbed, abandoned, rejected, hated, and the list goes on and on, yet he loved and forgave us all the way.
Have you realized that unforgiveness never works alone? Anger, bitterness, rage, and resentment are some of the other spirits that accompany it. The born again child of God lives in a different realm and plays by different rules. God’s Word is our reality! We need to allow our spirit and soul to feed on the Word and renew our minds with it in order to heal from all bitterness and hurts.
Firstly, admit and confess the hurt and pain to God and reflect on how he loves us even in our undeserving state.
Then, look to the word. Behold the truth written therein and allow the Holy Spirit work out the love of God which is already shed abroad in your heart, (Romans 5:5). Listen, only God can heal your heart and make you whole again from every hurt. Using logic won’t do the magic so allow JESUS and His Word to be your reality. Accept the reality that HE shows you through the Word and act upon it even when it doesn’t make sense logically.
Know this, that you are born of God and you have the Spirit of God living in you; that means, you’ve got the nature of God in you. Just as God is Love so is love in you. You only awaken to the reality you behold so come to JESUS and behold His love, come and behold Him through the Word with all willingness to be transformed and renewed. To the man or woman in Christ, unforgiveness is not an option – it will rob you of the joy and peace you deserve in Christ. Behold JESUS and His Love and receive healing and wholeness for your soul. HE is your reality! Amen!
