Those Who Have Hurt You
Sometimes it is difficult to let go of the pain and rejection we feel when someone has hurt us. Resentment and bitterness often seem so justified but can be likened to drinking deadly poison while thinking it will harm the person you’re hurt by. Therefore, bitterness is dangerous and is against your prosperity. So what should a person do? Look at Jesus’ words.
Matthew 18:21-23 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
So, this is how the story begins with a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. One man came in who owed him 10,000 talents of gold. (Worth about 2000 years of wages for a day laborer—20 lifetimes of work) Since the man could not pay it back, he fell to his knees and began to beg the king. The king decided to have mercy on him and forgave him all his debt. But, as soon as the man left the king, he went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins; this was worth about 100 days worth of work for a day laborer. Since the man could not pay it back immediately, he took him to the jailer and had him thrown in prison. When the king found out, he sent for the servant for whom he had forgiven all the debt; he had him thrown in prison until he could pay the very last penny. Then Jesus said, this is what will be done to the one who is unwilling to forgive his brother or sister from the heart!
Jesus said, “For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15
Wow! My sin against God has been great! How could I not forgive others when my debt is so huge!? Think about this; never, even in 20 lifetimes, would you or I be able to be good enough to deserve God. Even though our debt of sin is great, God has completely forgiven us! Since our debt of sin against God is much greater than any sin committed against us, should we not forgive those who have sinned against us? The secret to being able to forgive those who have sinned against us comes from fully receiving God’s forgiveness. Yes, those who truly receive the massive forgiveness of God will have the power to forgive those who have sinned against them.
My heart goes out to you today! Bitterness and resentment are keeping many from the blessing God has for them. The sins of bitterness and unforgiveness are the most sneaky and dangerous because people feel justified when they commit them.
My dearest friend, do you know that the blood of Jesus makes you perfect in God’s sight? Do you know that you are completely and totally forgiven? Have you left the world of condemnation? I can assure you of this; understanding and fully receiving God’s forgiveness towards you will endow you with the supernatural power to forgive…
Those Who Have Hurt You