When we are left with an unresolved situation, where death takes away our last chance of reconciliation, a special type of healing and comfort is needed. We need absolution from our guilt and from the hurts we have received.
Let us look at Paul's example in his letter to Philemon.
[1:18] If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.
Paul was willing to pay the cost of anything owed to the master by the servant at fault. He would take the whole debt on himself, no repayment was necessary.
Likewise, Jesus on the cross died to take all our sins away and grant forgiveness so that we can have everlasting life.
These unresolved issues we must give to Jesus as He has COMPLETELY paid the price for all our mistakes. What a humbling thought.
We must take ALL our feelings of resentment, lack of forgiveness, retaliation, guilt and hurt, and place them at the foot of the cross.
We must ask God for His forgiveness for all our sinfulness, faults and hurt we caused in this situation.
We must ask for forgiveness for the injustices that were done to us.
We must allow God's GRACE to fill the wounds and heal us.
No amount of money, duty, acknowledgements will bring about this forgiveness and grace except through the cross of Jesus.
How comforting it is to know that we have a Saviour who loves us this much.
It is not easy to accept His forgiveness, we are only human, and these past feelings can seep back into our hearts. But Jesus understands, He lived among us, He encourages us to return to His cross daily in prayer.
We do indeed have a loving Father who in our darkest time of grief brings comfort.
Let us Pray:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those
in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. [a]
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit. [b]
The Lord redeems His servants;
No one will be condemned who takes refuge in Him. [c]
Let us make every effort to do what leads to peace
and to mutual edification. [d]
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up
your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.[e]
If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. [f]
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. [g]
The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing. [h]
Therefore we do not lose heart.
Though outwardly we are wasting away,
Yet inwardly we are being renewed
day by day. [i]
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [j]
Be joyful always, pray continually;
Give thanks in all circumstances,
For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. [k]
For God so loved the world
that He gave His one and only Son,
That whoever believes in Him shall not perish
but have eternal life. [L]
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
According to His power that is at work within us,
To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,
For ever and ever!
Amen. [m]
By Doreen Hardie
(New International Version)
[a] 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 [b] Psalm 34:18 [c] Psalm 34:22 [d] Romans 14:19 [e] Romans 14:13 [f] Philemon 1:18 [g] 2 Peter 3:18 [h] Zephaniah 3:17 [i] 2 Corinthians 4:16 [j] Ephesians 6:10 [k] 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 [L] John 3:16 [m] Ephesians 3:20-21
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