LETTING IT GO

It was a pay-day a few years ago, when I cashed my check, and gave my wife $100 dollars to do some shopping. While she went out, $90 of that money was stolen from her purse. She was very upset. The heartache for any person who is robbed goes far beyond the loss of the money or merchandise. First, there is the second-guessing and the thought of what might have been done to prevent the incident from happening. Then there is the feeling of rejection when one realizes another human being would do something to them to cause personal harm.

I remember the thievery that occurred during my son’s 4th birthday party when his grandmother’s purse was stolen and hundreds of dollars were lost. Also taken were old, sentimental pictures, the checkbook, and every important credit and personal identity card. When other people hurt us it leaves us with a feeling of pain and emptiness that is very hard to shake. We may lose our confidence in others and even the confidence we have in ourselves.

When Jesus came into the world, he too experienced moments of rejection and loss. His teaching was challenged. He was called a liar and a blasphemer. Sometimes people begged him to leave their country, even when he had done marvelous things (Mark 5:17). Ultimately, mankind crucified the Son of God. Did it hurt him? Immensely! Did he feel alone? Incredibly! And then deep from within his broken heart the words came gently, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

When others sin against us we can overcome the heartache through forgiveness. I have often heard people say that we shouldn’t forgive others unless they ask to be forgiven. If we take this approach we will not forgive many, peace will be absent from our lives, and we will not have the heart of Christ. It is easy to forgive those who ask to be forgiven. The greatest things we accomplish spiritually are the very hardest to do.

We are bound for the land of Canaan. So whatever happens to us here in this wilderness should not have dominion over us. We can be victorious when we let it go.

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” ~ Matt. 5:44

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33