Read: GENESIS 50:15-21
Meditation verse:
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Mathew 5:44).
Jesus urges you to bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you. Joseph understood the principle behind this command. When faced with an opportunity to avenge his brothers’ wicked act against him, he chose the path of forgiveness. Going through his brothers’ wicked deed, Potiphar’s wife’s false accusation and the butler’s neglect in prison, he refused to succumb to bitterness or hate. Being fully persuaded that God was able to bring good out of every evil he encountered.
People who despise others without cause are mostly unhappy with themselves or dissatisfied with their own lives. They hate you because they believe you have been blessed in areas where they are lacking. In their discontentment, envy and bitterness, they lash out at you. So, why stoop down to their own level by
retaliating? You ought to pray for them instead. When you pray for those who spitefully use you, you can forgive them and act in love towards them, even when you don’t feel love for them. This singular act identifies you as a ‘son’ of God and His eyes are always on His children to bless and protect them. If on the other hand, you hate those who despise you and repay their evil with evil, you are condescending to their level and acting in disobedience to your heavenly Father. You will miss the blessings that come with ‘turning the other cheek’ and will end up being the worse for it in the long run.
Forgiving does not mean tolerating abuse — wisdom is essential. But choosing to act in love keeps your spirit free and positions you for God’s reward.
IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye
Founder: The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM)
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