Publication date May 21, 2024

God wants what you aren’t ready for

Publication date May 21, 2024

Are you finding it hard to forgive someone right now, friend?

Perhaps you haven't even thought about forgiving that person anymore, you've pushed that thought far away from you...

In the Corinthian letter, Paul speaks of a person who committed a serious mistake in the Corinthian community. He doesn't even go into detail; instead, he writes a letter to the community, challenging them:

"Forgive him... and encourage him again. Otherwise, pain and sorrow could completely overwhelm him in the end," (2 Corinthians 2:7 ESV) thus destroying him.

I don't know where you've been hurt, friend.

But I remember a time in my life when I was hurt so deeply that I actually wished God would destroy that person. I know, that doesn't sound much like the Déborah you have in mind right now. But perhaps you've experienced that too and can understand.

Here's an important point:It wasn't until I opened up God's Word that God had access to my heart again, and through that, He could remind me of what mattered to HIM. And even if that person was no longer important to me at that moment, he was still important to God.

That's why it's important that you don't try to cope with your injury and thoughts of revenge, even hatred, alone, friend.

The fact is:Often, I can only forgive because I read the Bible.

And it's so important that we forgive, because only when we forgive can we continue to live!

friend, perhaps this is a difficult thought for you to bear, but…God wants to see the person you never want to see again.

Because God is love. That's why Paul encourages the wounded people of the community not only to forgive but also:

"So I beg you to confirm your love for him," (2 Corinthians 2:8 ESV)

friend, please, please…forgive the person who has hurt you today and show him your love through that, not through your own strength, but through God's power!

You are a miracle!

Deborah Rosenkranz
Author

Singer-songwriter and author, but especially Jesus' biggest fan!