Read Judges 14-16 (I know this a long reading, but
it’s worth it)
I hope were able to read about Samson’s exploits. The reason I asked you to read the whole
thing is purposeful. When you read all
of it, it’s easier to see the thread that runs through Samson’s entire life –
revenge. He is wronged and so he wrongs
those who wronged him. They retaliate
and then he retaliates even more violently.
His last dying act is to bring a building down on his enemies and
himself. He literally lived and died in
the cycle of revenge.
As I suggested yesterday, this is not heroic; it’s tragic. However, too many people live a much less
dramatic version of this cycle throughout their lives. Tit for tat, eye for an eye, slight for
slight, and hit and hit back. Another
version of this cycle is just as toxic.
In this scenario, the victim never retaliates but simply burns with hurt
and anger indefinitely. Nurturing the
resentment becomes a way of life.
The antidote to this poisonous pattern is
forgiveness. Instead of multiplying the
pain, forgiveness begins to heal it. You
don’t have become best friends with the offender. You might not even have a future
relationship. But forgiveness allows you
to get free from the cancerous venom of bitterness.
As I sometimes do, I’ll end with a challenge. I invite you to think about an injustice dealt
to you that you have not forgiven. Take
some time to reflect on what harboring that offense has gotten you. As you think about it, you might even be able
to feel in your body where that tension has taken up residence. My challenge is this: make the conscious
choice to forgive. Most likely, this
will take some time. But as you stay
committed to the process, I believe you will begin to notice a change in
yourself. That change is the arrival of
freedom; welcome and embrace it.
The ultimate goal is the extreme opposite of Samson –
to one day die with no resentments, no one to “pay back.” Begin to forgive today.
Prayer: God,
help me to see the path of forgiveness for ___________. It seems impossible to me, but nothing is
impossible for you. Amen
Prayer Focus:
Pray for people who are still without work to pay their bills.
Song: Something
a little different today. This is a brief guided meditation on forgiveness
Forgiveness: Christian Meditation
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