I’ve got to admit, one of the things I preached about on Sunday is one of my greatest struggles. I am working on this, but it is one of my most difficult struggles and I know many others struggle with it, too. It is TRUST. Especially after I’ve been burned.
I am a pretty easy-going guy. I try to live and let live, to do unto others as I WANT them to do unto me. And I know Jesus commanded us to love not only our friends, but our enemies as well. To pray for those who persecute me. But I struggle. I struggle when people lie to me. When people do or say things to me or about me that are less than Christ-like.
In Luke 17:4, Jesus told the disciples “If he (your brother) sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.” The disciples responded “WOW! THAT WILL TAKE A LOT MORE FAITH THAN WE HAVE!! HELP US!!” I have prayed that prayer many times. And I have learned something else: Even if they don’t repent, the best thing I can do is FORGIVE. Because, when I hold on to grudges or bad feelings, I am hurting MYSELF way more than I am hurting them.
And I struggle with this!! So pray for me, and I will pray for you!! Hope you have a great Holy Week next week and I hope you are already preparing your heart for what God will do!!
I struggle with forgiveness also. And I know I would be better but it is so hard to do.