Momentum For Monday, August 7th 2023

“Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to say something about my parent’s anniversary yesterday. They celebrated fifty years of marriage. That's such a huge accomplishment.

The risk of mentioning this is that it could be easy for people to assume that they have the whole marriage thing down pat. I know they would never claim that because they truly don't feel that way. They know they have both been through so much together over those five decades.

Losses, arguments, financial hardship, raising kids and grandkids, and there is so much more they've endured. I'm barely able to say so much in one blog post. However, I think you can grasp what I'm trying to say. It's been a long road with many ups and downs.

If there's one thing I know in any relationship, of any kind- friends, business partners, or marriage, it’s that for any relationship to withstand testing, forgiveness is a must. In fact, because humans are flawed, for unity to exist and continue to exist, forgiveness must be central.

The unfortunate truth is that Christian’s aren’t always great about forgiveness. I mean, we certainly want to be pardoned for our own missteps but giving that allowance to others is where we normally fall short. And listen, I'm including myself here. Letting things go is such a difficult thing to do, especially when the hurt is so deep. However, pain is not our excuse to hold on to offense.

Offense left in our hearts starts to build toxicity and allows for the devil to gain a foothold. No matter how we rationalize our grudge, the person that suffers the most, is ourselves. So, it’s best not to lick our wounds in the midst of our struggles.

Take some honest inventory this week. Truly, how is your soul? Have you hardened your heart in any way? Ask God to help you in the places where offense or unforgiveness have taken root. Ask God to help you step by step in your biggest difficulties.

“And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness].”

(Ephesians 4:27)