Saturday, September 6, 2014

Forgiveness & Peace: A Child’s Devotion

My mom bought us a child’s devo for Jase when he was born and we read a devotion from it every morning before his first nap. (Well, let’s be honest…sometimes I read it out loud to him while he runs around his room like a wild man.)

Isn’t it funny how God can speak something to you through something as simple as a child’s devotional if you just take time to SEEK Him?

He knew exactly what I needed to hear and revealed it to me through yesterday’s and today’s topics. Check this out.

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Recently, an incident occurred in my life where someone said something to me that cut me to the core. It was hands down the meanest, most hateful thing anyone has ever said (or done) to me and I was heartbroken over it at first. My natural inclination was to get defensive and make an argument against everything they said. To defend my name and my honor. And I almost did, until the Lord brought this verse in my mind and it wouldn’t go away.

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14

This was a chance to put MY PRIDE aside and not only forgive, but apologize for whatever I have done to hurt that person. To make EVERY EFFORT to live in peace. It was not easy in my own nature, but Christ through me made it easy. I know it was “only God” because it was not something I could or would do on my own.

Sometimes the enemy attacks us through the words and actions of others. If we’re not careful, and if we hold on to that bitterness and choose not to forgive or ask for forgiveness (regardless of how they respond- that is irrelevant and between THEM and God- we just have to do our part), it can be completely immobilizing to our walk. Basically, choosing not to forgive someone or not to make peace roots back to pride. Proverbs 16:5, Proverbs 16:18, and James 4:6 all tell us what happen as a result of pride. God HATES pride, and I do not want any part of something that God HATES.

Honestly, I haven’t had any type of conflict with anyone in a long time, so this whole deal was a tough pill to swallow. But James 1:2-4 tells us to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” And THIS is exactly why it’s so important to know the Word. I am so thankful for these Scriptures God keeps bringing to my mind. I cannot imagine going through life without faith….For me, I know there would be no hope, no joy, and no peace.

That Veggie Tales Devos for Boys made it so clear and so simple.

I wanted to share this in case anyone else has any hurts in their life or are in conflict with someone else. Don’t waste another moment…make peace NOW! May this serve as a reminder moving forward, that even if it seems impossible to forgive someone or to apologize because you don’t feel you did anything wrong, it IS POSSIBLE and only THROUGH CHRIST. (Phil 4:13) When conflict starts to arise, we should seek the Lord and how he wants us to respond. We need to avoid the urge to respond in our own nature, because that is not pleasing to him. We are all human and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 6:23), so you better believe the enemy will always be working to destroy relationships and paralyze us through unforgiveness and bitterness. When he attacks, may Hebrews 12:14 flood your heart and mind…

3 comments:

Danielle said...

I cant say that I agree with the fact that its possible only through christ. I know that some things I do and believe may be questionable to christans, but as a humanist (and athiest) I fully believe in peace in/with yourself and others. This peace doesnt come from religion, but from inside myself and MY OWN desire to want a "zen" life and surrounding. But overall I think forgivness is hard and I do agree that we all need a little work and gentle reminders on the subjet :)

taylordpaul said...
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taylordpaul said...

I have always loved children's devos. Sometimes books & scripture can get so confusing & easy to take out of context but children's books always say what we need to know loud & clear. You are a wonderful example of a woman and warrior of Christ, girlfriend! Happy Sunday to you & yours!!!! XOXO