Overflowing Love and Grace
The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.—1 Timothy 1:14 (NIV)
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.—COLOSSIANS 3:13 NIV
Have you ever been asked to care for someone who has offended or hurt you? Perhaps this person is incapacitated and desperately needs you. What will you do? Won’t being with her again stir up old problems? Open old wounds?
If you’re facing a situation where you have to care for someone who has hurt you in the past, it’s important to wipe the slate clean. Don’t keep a file of all the wrongs this person has done. Too many of us use those “files” against other people. Instead, take every grievance to the Lord. Your heavenly Father knows how to deal with your complaints.
As you release them, He’ll give you the capacity to bear with that person. To bear with them means you carry burdens… together. God will also help you forgive, which is key to moving forward.
If you’re having trouble “bearing” with someone today, give your grievances to the Lord and watch Him work!
Heavenly Father, I’ll confess…I’m having a hard time with this one. This is a person who hurt me deeply. A difficult person. But Lord, I give that hurt, that situation, to You. Help me to forgive, and then show me how I can bear with this person in love, forgiving as You forgave me.
The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.—1 Timothy 1:14 (NIV)
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.—James 1:17 (NIV)
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.—Titus 3:1–2 (NIV)