Often times one of the hardest things to do in our Christian walk is to forgive. Things happen in our lives and people hurt us and we allow that hurt to build a wall between our heart and God's will for our life. Recently I have been dealing with breaking down those walls that hate and hurt built. I have been praying that God will reveal to me the things that are holding me back. When you do that He sure does answer and answer. "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14-15. I followed His word and extended an olive branch and in return I got back a huge thorn bush. I have such a tender heart and I was overcome with confusion. I thought when I followed God's path it would be lined with fresh bold flowers and full of cheerful singing birds. I began to doubt that I had misunderstood what God was telling me to do. Did I take matters into my own hands and go out on an olive limb?
As the days moved on and I began to deal with the reality of the situation I came across a bible verse in a devotion that put this experience into perspective. "This means tremendous joy to you, I know, even though you are temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials and temptations. This is no accident—it happens to prove your faith, which is infinitely more valuable than gold" 1 Peter 1:6-7. Is it not amazing how God works! When I saw this verse I understood that while I was hurting and second quessing myself God was busy taking bricks from that part of my wall and building my character. When we choose to forgive someone we are not always promised to get back a Chrisitan attitude. However God commands us to forgive others so that our Father in heaven can forgive us. I am blessed beyond belief that I am in a place of growth. I still hurt but my suffering replaced by a larger, stronger faith is worth more than wordly comforts.
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