An offended heart is the breeding ground for many demons.
We are always more hurt by the harsh word, gossip or betrayal of a friend, a priest, a pastor, a member of the family or a close neighbour than that of a stranger or an acquaintance.
That is because we set these people to a higher standard.
Like David says in Psalms 35:11, “ Malicious witnesses rise up; They ask me things that I do not know. They repay me evil for good, to the bereavement of my soul”. David loved them and mourned for them when they were sick. These were people who ate with him, people he trusted, loved and worshipped with. Yet all HE got was betrayal.
You have faced betrayals, I have faced them. It hurts more when it comes from people you trust, people you thought were in your inner circle. And they go about as if it does not matter, while you are still in pain.
We expect the world to treat us wrong, our expectations of our spouses, best friends, religious heads are sky high. The world treats you better because your expectations of them is lesser.
Ministries are being pulled down, people’s reputations are being dragged through the mud, churches and homes being broken because somebody did something or you thought they did something. What you did or still do daily may be much worse. And you know what you did to JESUS.
Jesus Christ is the epitome of love and people crucified him for it. His enemies hated him, plotted against him, tortured him, then mocked him as he hung dying on the cross. But his own sold him out for money, denied him and in his saddest hour, abandoned him.
Jesus forgave you and me anyway. Now He calls us to forgive those who betray us. Open your heart to HIM. Tell Him daily that you are willing to forgive. Tell Him, when you hear new stories of their betrayal. Tell Him, when all that anger about the injustice of it all comes rising up.
Then like Paul, strive to let go. In Acts 24:16 Paul states, ” And herein do I EXERCISE MYSELF, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men”.
Deal with it daily. New people, new offenses, old people, same and newer offenses. Deal with them all, with the HOLY SPIRIT.
JESUS will heal that pain each time. No offense is worth you going to hell.
#JustForgive #JesusPeople
