Gut Punch

At the beginning of my Christian walk, forgiveness was a cerebral exercise. I knew what the Bible said about forgiveness, and I intellectually understood. However, when I was gut-punched, what I thought I understood about forgiveness got a little foggy. The emotions became elevated and rational thought tended to go out the window.

If we were sitting across the table from each other in a safe place, we might be able to open up and share the pain we have experienced at the hands of people we loved and trusted. However, in order to survive, many of us keep the wounds hidden and put on our happy face.

Stuffing our pain and pretending everything is okay has some terrible side effects. For one, the record never stops playing in our head: “How could they do that to me?” Injustice with no remedy. The results can be depression, insomnia, panic attacks, and anxiety. We stop trusting others because they might hurt us, too. “Does God know my pain?”

He definitely does! Jesus experienced betrayal unlike anything we can imagine. It brought an end to His earthly life. One of His closest friends, Judas, sold Him out and sealed the betrayal with a kiss (Matthew 26:14-16, 47-49). Yet, Jesus was never bitter or angry, even calling Judas, “Friend” while Judas was betraying him (Matthew 25:50). Sure, Jesus was God, but He was also fully human. How could He not hate Judas?

Jesus looked beyond His present suffering knowing God was at work. That is a lesson you and I should take to heart. Is it possible that in our suffering God is at work? The answer is YES.

Like you, I have endured great betrayal and pain. Words cannot adequately describe those dark days. But God has been at work in my life, tenderly opening my mind and heart to the fact He was with me and had a good plan in the midst of my suffering. He’s taught me the key to my healing was trusting God’s plan in the way Jesus did.

I can hear you shouting at your device saying, “That is impossible! I can never forgive them for what they have done. I hope they die and rot in hell.” I hear you. Stick with me. There is hope ahead.

“It’s not an easy journey, to get to a place where you forgive people. But it is such a powerful place because it frees you.” -Tyler Perry