Put away offense. You may be hurt, but hurt doesn’t equal anger, so own the fact that it hurts but choose forgiveness like our Father.
Let us consider the story of Joseph. When he was sold into slavery in Egypt he was incredibly hurt and betrayed. The Bible records that when he saw them again, he had to excuse himself and he wept. But, that did not stop him from forgiving his brothers.
The story of Joseph, is a good template for us to follow today, because it teaches us to let go of offense. When his brothers pushed Joseph into the pit, his brothers said, “We’ll see what will come of your dreams!” But what they didn’t know, was that their ‘evil act’ would in fact lead their brother to Pharaoh’s palace!
This can be your story too! You must believe and understand that NOTHING can destroy the dream, favor and destiny set for your life by God. Every offender is part of a plan to lead you to your palace.
Joseph assured his brothers, that “it was God who sent him ahead of them so that many lives would be saved”. No one can get you fired from your job, no one can make you unhappy in your marriage, and no one can destroy your destiny! The Lord will use every act (good or bad) for your good as a testimony to encourage others and bring more souls to Christ. (Romans 8:28)
Forgiveness enables God to use every offense and every blockade for your good. And many lives will be changed by your testimony! Many lives will be brought closer or to a knowledge of Christ because of your testimony.
What do you do to the offender? Pray for them. Jesus instructed us to pray for those who persecute us. “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you!” (Matthew 5:44)
So pray for that –husband who is committing adultery and has left home. Pray for that friend who stole your boyfriend. Pray for the colleague at work who may be spreading gossip about you to get you fired.
From my experience, praying for offenders enables you to forgive and let go of bitterness, as well as open doors of blessings for you.
Do not let an offense against you, cause you to sin! May the Holy Spirit equip us with the ability to forgive in the same way our Father forgives!
Forgiveness is about giving out mercy. The blood of Jesus speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. The Blood of Abel speaks JUSTICE, we had sinned and deserved hell a world away from God. But the Blood of Jesus speaks MERCY, undeserved, unrestrained PARDON. That is what Jesus expects us to give to our husbands, our families, our friends, work colleagues and enemies.
