They Know Not What They Do!!!!!

You know the scripture that says, "If your left hand offends you, cut it off!"  So many people use that scripture as a justifying reason to cut people who have offended them out of their lives.  But that is not what the scripture is referring to and most importantly that is not God's will.

The fact is, Jesus came to save people and to save lives.  Therefore, everyone deserves a chance to be reached by HIM!  We all have the desire to be connected with our creator, simply because we are all made in His image.  Therefore, we are to be an example of HIM in every situation. "What does that have to do with someone who has hurt or offended you?"

One of the most challenging things that we all -not just Christians- go through is being hurt at some point in our lives by someone we love, trust and respect.  Emotional hurt can be very scarring for people.  We are all human and we all experience the same emotions.  However, it is important to understand that at one time or another all of us have made bad decisions, fell into sin, lost our temper, said something damaging against our brother, or have chosen selfish acts that have hurt someone very dear to us.  No one has gone through life without hurting someone in some shape or form. And whether it was unintentional or not...the emotion of being hurt does not know the difference.   So whatever the offense is, to cut that person off or even to stop talking to them removing all communication IS NOT the answer.

I am sure you have been in a situation where you were emotionally hurt or scarred by someone, and you thought to cut that person off would be better for you so that you don't have to go through being hurt again.  And every time you saw your offender or heard their name, something inside you reopened the wound again and again.  This in its self is a sign of unforgiveness. To cut a person out of your life does not give you the chance to forgive that person, therefore leaving you wounded and scarred until you address the situation or start speaking to that person on good terms again.

Jesus came so that we can have life and live it abundantly through HIM.  Therefore, when someone hurts you, you are supposed to choose life over death.  Unforgiveness leads to death...sickness and diseases that manifest in the body.  We are all called to show God's unconditional love in EVERY situation.  God's perfect love will not come back to you void.  So the next time someone hurts you, pray for them.  Ask God to bless that person, ask God to help you forgive that person, and stay in continual prayer everyday until that hurt goes away.  The prayer and forgiveness is not just for the offender.  It is for you!!!!  The holy spirit will heal your wound and then teach you how to be like Christ to readily forgive all offenses made against you because God forgave you for a far greater debt! 

So stop thinking about how so and so should treat you!  Be bold in your Christianity and walk in love like Christ does.  Put no expectation on others. Choose to love without seeking anything in return.  Doing this can and will bring people to Christ! God's unconditional love is perfect in every way...so trust in it!  The more you practice this principle the less offended you will become and the more control you will have over your emotions.  Every single person in our lives are people God wants to reach through us.  So when you love God with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength...it will resonate in all your relationships.

The road will not be easy, after all, even Christ was crucified. And He was the only one who had God's complete perfect love.  During His crucifixion He remained unoffended.  He cried out, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do!"  So be like Christ, forgive others.  Do not cut off communication because ultimately, the offender,....they know not what they do! ~ Tracey-Acadia Thomas