It is purely optional to live in misery. Every person faces a different challenge, but one thing is for sure, it’s up to that person if he will wallow in the trouble he is in, or if he will find a way to remain hopeful.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be joyful and at the same time grateful for what we have.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” Philippians 4:4
One of the keys to unlocking the door that blocks God’s light from shining in our pit of depression, is the decision to forgive. When we make up our mind to finally forgive the people who hurt us, we get to free ourselves from carrying around the weight of grief the pain is causing us.
“But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:15
When we forgive someone, we get to cut our never ending thought patterns of negativity towards the person who hurt us. We will be more conscious, and refrain from rehearsing everything that they did to us, and retelling the betrayal story to everyone.
And as we free ourselves from the baggage of anger and resentment, we also get to heed our Savior’s call to forgive. The same Savior who died for us even when we were still rebellious and have yet to call Him our God.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
But if you cannot find in yourself the urge to forgive others, take the time to reflect on the mercy you have received. We cannot give what we do not have. But If we realize that God has forgiven us even if we do not deserve it, we will get the final push to forgive those who betrayed us, intentionally caused us pain, and willingly hurt us.
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Colossians 3:13
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Philippians 4:4-7 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Are you living in misery over the pain other people inflicted on you? How is knowing that forgiveness can totally heal you?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for forgiving our trespasses. Give us the grace to forgive those who have willingly hurt us, so that we can pass on the mercy you have showered upon us even if we do not deserve it. Amen.