Recently I was scrolling through my emails and was alerted that I had a comment on a video that I uploaded about 9 months ago. The comment was under the video titled NO, SLOW, GROW, GO…When God Speaks ,which is about growth and when God speaks to us about the decisions we make. When I went to view the comment, I saw that it was a derogatory remark from a guy that I’d dated in the past. I found it very interesting that he left such a negative comment under such a positive video. This is when I thought, “He must wants me to respond to him”. Reading it I was amazed, but not in a good way. I was amazed that he took the time to find my YouTube channel, after all of this time I might add, and would leave a nasty comment (insert eye roll here, LOL!).
Was he trying to hurt me? Was he trying to defame my character? If so, Why?
He was the one that decided to cut things off with me so I was confused. Remember my discernment post? I could’ve reacted in so many different ways. Contacting him via email to tell him how I felt was one option. I could’ve even told all of my friends. We know how we can get when we are talking to our friends. “Can you believe what such and such did to me?! How dare he do something like that” Hahaha AND I don’t have his number anymore so that wasn’t an option.
Guess what I did instead?
Deleted the comment and interceded in prayer for him.
Now That’s Growth!
I prayed for this man in the midst of me feeling disgusted by his comment. I prayed for his mind, that God would bring clarity and awareness to him about how he treats others, especially women. God remove those negative things from his spirit that causes him to be unhappy, mean-spirited, egotistical and narcissistic. Then I prayed that he would have an undeniable encounter with God that would overwhelm him so much so that he would no longer deny who God is in his life. By faith I prayed that he would see salvation one day and one day soon. That he would become a better man and a more positive example for his daughter. I asked God to give him the desire to hold himself to higher standards in life. I prayed that this man would one day be convicted by God’s love so much that he refuses to go back to the same guy that made that post under my video.
It was then that I noticed just how far I had actually come. In the past, sometimes I prayed for others that did me wrong but most times I did not. Back then, my prayers were from a hurt place. But this time it was different. Because I had forgiven him, my prayers were from a pure place and genuine concern for this man even though he showed himself foolish and still broken.
The bible talks about loving and praying for our enemies
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mathew 5:44)
“Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6:27-28)
“Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them…Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord… Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” (Romans 12:14, 19, 20)
The bible also talks about forgiveness and its importance
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Mathew 6:14-15)
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop”. (Mark 11:25, Amplified)
My CHALLENGE to you is…
forgive those that have hurt you
Forgiveness is the key to overcoming revenge, anger and bitterness. Don’t you want to be free?! Besides, God has forgiven you, surely you can forgive someone who has hurt you. Without forgiveness your prayers WILL BE limited.
the next time someone does you wrong, pray for them!
Whether it is family, friend or foe , we are to pray for them. We are to give all our worries to God (Psalm 55:22) and trust that he will work EVERYTHING out for our good (Romans 8:28). Knowing that The Lord wants to take on our burdens should bring you some sense of peace. It does for me.
I promise you , there is peace in prayer and freedom in forgiveness
I hope you enjoyed this post. Until next time…
Love,
Leigh C
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