Friday, January 21, 2011

Let It Go

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"

Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." -- Matthew 18:21-22

In her book Praying God's Word, Beth Moore devoted an entire chapter to overcoming unforgiveness. It's right up there with unbelief, guilt, rejection and food addiction. Yeah. Beth isn't one for ignoring what is necessary just because it's hard.

In the chapter, there are plenty of Bible verses for changing us so that we can forgive others. Certainly that's a start. At the end of the chapter, readers are challenged to pray for those who have wronged us. It's really difficult to stay mad or hurt when you're praying for someone daily and specifically.

It's really tough to forgive someone who has hurt you or someone you love. That's especially true when they haven't apologized. Indeed, they may not seem sorry at all. But it really isn't about them. That's the point. It's about us and our need to forgive. The Bible tells us numerous times to forgive others so that God will forgive us. He gave us mercy and He expects us to show that same mercy to others.

Have you ever held on to a grudge? It eats you up inside. It builds and builds and you just can't let it go. So...give it to God. Go on. He can take it. Tell Him all about what happened and how that other person wronged you. Tell Him how angry you are. Then let it go. Really. Oh, I know it's not that easy. But it's a start and with prayer and determination and, well, more prayer, you can do it. You can let it go and let God take care of it. He will. In His own time. Funny thing, though. The more you pray for the person who wronged you, the less you'll care that the person "gets what he deserves."