Ever been hurt by someone you wouldn’t have expected it to come from? Ever been treated disrespectfully by someone you know should know better? Ever been wronged by another believer? It feels like a blow to your midsection, huh?
It’s hard to let your guard down when you’ve been hurt and disappointed by others, but you must allow God to have your heart. He is the only one that can care for it. I’ve experienced some very tumultuous events and have been wronged by others without so much of a simple apology going forth. I’m grateful to God for every experience and the ability to see something positive. I’m thankful for the change that loving God has brought to me, by being able to turn the other cheek thus resisting retaliation and its short-lived pleasures. Now although my actions display Jesus, at times in my humanity, I feel like I should play judge and juror. Internally, my carnal nature says “hate” and I find myself having to make a very conscious effort to forgive because my desire is to remain pure before God. (Romans 7:14-25)
5 STEPS TO FORGIVE
- DON’T JUST SAY YOU FORGIVE, SPEAK YOUR FORGIVENESS. Every time you stand before God in prayer or when negative thoughts come to your mind, say I forgive those who hurt me(specifically speak the name). Knowing that when and only when we forgive others God forgives us. (Mark 11:25-26)
- BLESS THOSE THAT HURT YOU. After you make an open confession of forgiveness speak blessings over them. You may only begin with a few things at first, but trust God, as you pray compassion for them will flow more liberally. (Luke 6:28)
- BE LIKE JESUS BY LEARNING FROM JESUS. Read or re-read the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John), what better way to learn about adversities than directly from the One who was persecuted without cause. The more you read about Jesus and His teachings, the more you’ll become like Him! (Matthew 11:29)
- DON’T RETALIATE. Entrust yourself to God, He will resolve everything that needs to be resolved and He judges accurately. Don’t look for His judgment either, God desires mercy, not punishment! (1 Peter 2:23)
- BE HUMBLE AND MEEK. In humility, ask God if you’ve done anything wrong, to reveal any deceit within you and give you the wisdom to see justly. (James 4:6)
Wounds take time to heal, some offer more immediate results than others. Simple wrongs come with simpler solutions, but deeper wounds require more intensive care. It can be difficult to look past our present circumstances to see God. In this situation, that’s actually good because you don’t want to move forward if there is unforgiveness! This MUST BE ADDRESSED to go on. Work on these things consistently for 30 days and you will notice a dramatic change.
If you have a deep hurt I suggest you speak with someone such as your pastor, mentor, or counselor in addition to following these steps God gave me.
PRAYER
Father, I thank You for Your forgiveness on today. I thank You for the mercy and compassion You have shown me. I am grateful for Your love today. Please forgive me for holding any unforgiveness in my heart toward [SAY THE NAME(S)]. I forgive [SAY THE NAME(S)]. I renounce every root of bitterness, every hurt, every bit of rejection from my life and ask that you fill me with Your love, mercy, and compassion.
In Jesus Name, Amen!
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good. Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other. Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord! Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer. Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home. Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them. Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying. Consider everyone as equal, and don’t think that you’re better than anyone else. Instead, associate with people who have no status. Don’t think that you’re so smart. Don’t pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good. If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. Don’t try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. It is written, Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord. Instead, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing this, you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head. Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.
Romans 12:9-21 Common English Bible (CEB)
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