Matthew 5:38-48 (ESV)
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and
a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil.
But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And
if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to
the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate
your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who
persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For
he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just
and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you
have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your
brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the
same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
How many grudges do we have that involve hatred? Jesus
tells us in Matthew, “If you refuse to forgive others, your Father will
not forgive your sins.” That doesn’t sound like a joke anymore.
How many of us have been hurt by a friend or loved one and
we just can't let go of it? Holding on to this hurt or grudge does so much
harm. Not really to the other person, most of the time they may not even
realize you are upset. The problem is, it hurts you and your relationship with
God. Sometimes we think we are “justified” to hold on to this hurt. Are you
willing to let this grudge come between you and the forgiveness our Father in
Heaven has for you?
Dear Lord, we know we have been hurt and have caused hurt.
Please show us any hurt we have caused and help us let go of any grudges we are
holding against others. Help us to seek forgiveness and to give forgiveness in
return. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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