18 January
LET GO OF THE PAINS
“Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us.”
(Matthew 6:12, GNT)
One of the most painful things in life is the death of a loved one. It is an irreversible loss on this earth. It is very difficult to let go of the pain; yet, with time, the pain reduces and one remembers the loved one with joy, especially for a Christian, with the hope of meeting again at the Resurrection.
Almost every other pain is reversible. For the pain of sickness, there may be healing; for the pain of work, there may be respite after work hours or retirement; and for the pain of labour and childbirth – the woman forgets soon after the delivery. However, for the pain of betrayal, most often, bitterness sets in. Yet, bitterness hurts the person bearing it more than the one who erred.
Why is it so difficult to forgive? Can we expect forgiveness from God if we do not forgive? It is in determining to forgive that we receive grace to overcome and let go of our pain. Guard against turning back from the grace of God. Let no one become like a bitter plant that grows up and causes many troubles with its poison (Hebrews 12:15).
Bitterness is poisonous and it is captivity, especially to the person harbouring it. Many ask if it is right to forgive, even when an offence causes the death of a loved one or when the one who erred does not admit wrong or repent. Jesus, our great High Priest, forgave those who crucified Him. Some would say He was the Son of God, but He was man at the same time.
Stephen, one of the first deacons of the Early Church, forgave those who framed him up with lies and stoned him to death. As they accused him, he was determined to forgive them. Forgiveness brings deliverance. An amazing thing happened to Stephen: “.. his face became as bright as an angel’s” (Acts 6:15).
As they stoned Stephen, because he was free from the captivity and poison of unforgiveness, he received a glorious entry into heaven.
ACTION: It is double jeopardy to be wronged and also to waste away with bitterness. Let go of the pains, now.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to let go of all hurts and unforgiveness.