Thursday, June 25, 2020 - "The Connection" Series

Loving Others As We Love Ourselves

Scripture: Mark 11:25 (NLT) – “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins too.” 

Message: I lost a friend a few weeks ago; not because of death, but through a life choice. I ended the friendship. We first met in 1997 through work, lost contact, and became reacquainted in 2014. We had a lot in common and mutual respect. We were both lovers of Jesus and had been in recovery for years. My friend deceived me, which left me reeling. I was angry at first, then anger turned to sadness at the end of a trusted friendship.

What do we do when someone hurts, or disappoints us, or we lose trust in someone? When a person is consistently dishonest, disrespectful or abusive towards us, we have a choice to let that person go, or to keep that person in our life. Either way, we tend to hold on to our anger and bitterness for way too long – sometimes for years, or even decades.

Jesus told the disciples to pray for anything, but they should always pray for God’s will above their own. This included forgiving others first, as God had forgiven them. Forgiveness does not mean that the person did not commit a transgression against us. However, if we allow the wound to fester, it can take over our lives in a very unhealthy way. We are called to forgive others the way that Jesus forgives us. Jesus gives us grace, even when we are not deserving. Forgiveness is a loving, healing, Jesus-filled alternative to anger and resentment. I always like to say “feel what you must feel and then let it go” because I think denial of feelings is unhealthy. At the same time, we must ask God to come into our lives and make us whole again. I am not sure if my friend and I will ever reconcile. However, I am called to seek forgiveness for my friend and for myself.

Prayer:  Father, we aren’t perfect human beings. I have been hurt by others, but I have also hurt others with my words and actions. Even my own thoughts can be harmful. Father, thank You for loving and forgiving me through my worst moments. Please help me to love and forgive others the way You love and forgive me. Amen.

Glynda Russell

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