Thursday, August 8, 2019

SABRINA We have all been there whether in a classroom, sports field, workplace, neighborhood or even church - power plays, unfairness, cruelty, politics, popularity contests, adult cliques, and those who pit people against one another happen far too often. When other people hurt us, especially when it’s intentional, it can cause us to become bitter. It is easy for resentment to take root. In Matthew chapter 18, Jesus was asked “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?’ ‘No, not seven times,’ Jesus replied, ‘but seventy times seven!’” It’s hard to forgive people who hurt and betray our trust time and time again — especially if they don’t admit fault or show remorse for their wrongdoing. Jesus stated, “seventy times seven” just to make the point that forgiveness is ongoing.” It is not about others’ hurtful behavior but rather the joy and ability to love life that is robbed by our unforgiveness and anger. We cannot change the behavior, opinions or actions of others, but we can ask God to change ours. Forgiveness is necessary to release us from bitterness. Through the choice to forgive, even if the problem remains, the poison does not – and with that, the prisoner has been set free.