“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” -Hebrews 4:15-16
Today’s Word:
You may be wondering, “What happened to Sharon?” Sharon decided to talk to God. She was desperate, and pleaded, “How can I forgive this man?” During prayer, she began to identify the main hurts that her boss had inflicted. Next, she pictured herself nailing those to the Cross of Christ. Then she wept out to God and said, “I fully forgive my boss for all that he has done and all that he might do. I choose to release him.” Guess what happened next? In that moment, Sharon’s two years of constant back pain suddenly vanished, and the next day the doctor’s report said, “Sharon’s health is good, there is no problem.”
Sharon did not wait for her boss to change. She did not wait for her boss to apologize, but she did go to God and get divine help to forgive and be free to move forward in her life. Is it possible to be free of bitterness and offense even when the other person does not change? Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27)
You may be experiencing the pain of being mistreated by your Christian boss; or maybe a church member or spiritual leader. Like Sharon, you could be saying, “What should I do?” Here are some steps that can guide you away from bitterness and into a new place of freedom and joy.
Freedom Through Forgiveness
- Draw near to God in prayer and focus on Him first, not the problem.
- Consider His Cross of suffering for you, and thank Him for taking our sins upon Himself and for His mercy to you.
- Now think of the main wrongs your offender has done to you and give each one to Jesus, nailing it to His cross. Receive His comfort and healing.
- Let the Lord show you if there’s any responsibility you might have in the problem.
- Ask God if there is anything you can do to show love to the person who has hurt you. “Forgiveness is complete when you are at peace whenever you think your offender.”
Scripture:
“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but shows grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” -1 Peter 5:5-7
Forgiven.
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