|
Letting go of the past
2 Samuel 16:21
What an ugly stain on the royal family’s history ledger! When Amnon raped his half-sister, Tamar, their father David seemingly ignored the situation. He probably hoped, as many parents do, that f he didn’t talk about it, the problem would go away. Instead, it got worse. Tamar’s brother Absalom killed Amnon for vengeance and then fled. Two years after his return, his father still refused to see him! Finally, Absalom led a rebellion against David.
Hurt caused by family members, especially in our youth, has profound impact onus. How we respond to the pain has huge implications for our emotional and spiritual health.
God knows about our pain and wants to lead us to hope and to wholeness. We should first acknowledge to him and to a trusted friend what has happened and how it has affected us. If we still live in an abusive situation, immediate help may be necessary to protect ourselves. Whatever else must be done, we need to keep our hearts from hardening. The Lord wants to assist us in forgiving those who have hurt us. He knows we’ll be tempted to indulge in bitterness, vengeance or self-pity. But as we acknowledge our sinful reactions and receive his power to forgive, al new measure of Jesus’ life is released in us.
Identify past offenses that are presently affecting you. Ask God to help you “let go” of the pain and extend forgiveness to the offender.
MORE STUDY: Psalm 119:77-78; Matt. 18:21-35; Col. 3:13-14.
|
