Forgiveness is not typically the first thing we want to extend to people when we get hurt – vengeance though in the form of a fist or an ill-spoken word is. Now I realize were not all tempted to go ‘postal’ on people when we get hurt, but by no means are we initially thinking of ways in which we can express forgiveness to those who’ve hurt us. So many marriages, families, and friendships have been utterly destroyed because vengeance was sought rather than forgiveness being extended. Anyone can seek vengeance in its various forms, but not everyone can pursue the path of mercy, grace, forbearance and forgiveness.
Consider how many of your relationships may have been spared the label ‘broken relationship’ if vengeance was not even an option for you. How many of your current relationships (marriage, family, friendships) would receive the label ‘healthy relationship’ if forgiveness and grace was the first thought and not just an after thought? Rather than seeing any more relationships destroyed because vengeance reigned down supreme, why not learn how to drop a few burning coals on people and see how that goes.
If you're around this Sunday, July 3rd, please join the GENESIS Community at 10:30AM for our Worship Gathering as we examine how to build healthy, God-honoring relationships with those who seem bent on hurting us by dropping a few burning coals on their heads.
Posts
