I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

 If you’ve ever had any exposure to the gospel, you are probably familiar with today’s verse. Jesus Christ came to earth from Heaven and showed us how the impossible was done through Him, by faith and belief. He even suggested to His disciples that a mountain could be moved with a mustard seed faith (Matthew 17:20). As a child of God, you might accept Jesus’s words, but there’s probably one thing you think is impossible to do, and that is forgive someone whose hurt you.

 The pain and long-term effects of someone’s evil intentions can be lasting days, weeks, years, maybe even a lifetime. Some examples might be your spouse cheated on you, someone stole from you, you’ve been a victim of physical assault or rape, you’ve been sexually abused as a child, you’ve suffered emotional abuse from someone close to you…the list is endless, and the pain is real. Deep down you have thoughts and feelings of revenge, but something inside you has held back from reacting. If you are a Christian, may I suggest that is the Holy Spirit harnessing your response? Why?

 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written, “It is Mine to avenge, I will repay”, says the Lord Romans 12:19

 When you take action against your enemy or offender, you interfere with God’s plan for judgement. Your judgment/response is temporary, but God’s is eternal. The appropriate thing for you to do is forgive them, so you can move on with your life. Releasing your pain into the hands of God, allows Him to work in your life to forgive them, even if they have no remorse; the pain they inflicted you will be dealt one day by the God of this universe, and you’ll be sheltered under the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

 The internal healing that forgiveness can bring is far beyond anything your offender can do to make good on what he/she has done to you. Let God have that person to deal with, you heal yourself and find peace in the process. God bless!