Scripture - Genesis 16:13
There are times in our lives when we are unhappy and cannot recognize the source of this misery. It is in times such as these that we should examine ourselves and see if we have offended someone. Perhaps, unknowingly, we said or did something to someone and that person is suffering because of it. Or maybe, just maybe, you are the victim of another person’ venomous words or mistreatment. Nevertheless, the Apostle Paul admonishes us to be kind to one another, tenderhearted and forgiving, just as our Lord has forgiven us.
Are you feeling a little downtrodden and cannot figure out why? Well, this might be a good time for a spiritual self-examination and attitude adjustment. Are there sins loitering in your life that need to be confessed? Is there someone you need to go to and make peace with and be reconciled? Are you harboring ill-feelings toward someone because of a past hurt? Is there someone you need to forgive or someone you need to seek forgiveness from? Forgiveness and peace is like an anointing oil or medicine for both the offender and the offended when used in the spirit of Christian love. There is healing in the Word of God (Psalm 45:7).
Use the word of God as a sword for forgiveness today and find healing for yourself as you seek to heal someone else. True and sincere forgiveness sets both the offender and the offended free emotionally and spiritually. When we forgive others, we do what Jesus did for us. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is essential to our emotional, physical and spiritual health.
When we set out to correct a wrong that has been done to us in our own strength, we will ultimately fail or suffer unnecessary consequences because of our disobedience. Reconciliation is our responsibility, but retribution is God’s promise to His beloved. Unfortunately, many of us do not want to wait on God to fight our battle. We want vengeance now! Does this apply to you? Ask God to give you the strength to wait on Him. Can you imagine what it would be like if God had not sent His only begotten Son for the forgiveness of your sins? Where would be today?
Are you feeling emotionally low? Perhaps this is the time for a spiritual self-examination. Are you the offender or the offended? What are you going to do now?
— Catherine Raphael