Matthew 5:44 KJV
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
It's often easier to hold on to feelings of bitterness and resentment when someone we love deeply hurts us. We find ourselves replaying the hurt over and over in our minds, struggling to understand why someone we care for could act so cruelly. But in Matthew 5:44, Jesus challenges us with a radical call—to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who misuse us. This command is not about excusing the actions of others but about choosing to respond in a way that reflects God's heart of grace and forgiveness.
Recently, I found myself wrestling with the hurt caused by someone I love dearly. The pain felt heavy, and at times, my mind struggled to understand how anyone could be so unkind to someone who loves them unconditionally. I stumbled upon a woman's testimony on TikTok, sharing her experience of rejection from her father. In her pain, she wrote a book and shared her story with the world—but the words she spoke were filled with anger, bitterness, and an evident longing for a relationship that would never be. She had not yet found peace, and instead of pursuing healing, she mirrored the same negativity and rejection she had received.
This was a painful reminder that we only deepen our wounds when we hold on to unforgiveness. God's Word calls us to a higher standard—to love and bless those who hurt us, not because they deserve it, but because God's love empowers us to do so. Forgiveness does not come naturally, especially when the other person shows no remorse. It requires us to depend on God for the strength to choose love when every part of us wants to choose bitterness.
I often think about the stories of Leah and Hagar in the Bible. Both women experienced profound rejection. Leah, unloved by her husband Jacob, longed for his affection, but no matter how much she gave, it was never enough. Hagar, a servant, was cast aside after giving birth to Abraham's son. Both women knew deep pain, yet they found healing not in their circumstances or the approval of others but in turning to God. Their stories remind us that even when we face rejection from the ones we love most, God's love and healing can restore our broken hearts.
It is difficult, and sometimes even seemingly impossible, to forgive when the offender shows no remorse. But this is where we must rely on God's grace to choose love and forgiveness. His power gives us the strength to act beyond our emotions and circumstances, to move toward healing rather than stay stuck in pain.
Prayer,
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, struggling with the hurt caused by others. We admit that forgiving and loving those who have wounded us is difficult. But we trust that Your love is greater than our pain. Help us to choose forgiveness, even when it seems impossible. Strengthen our hearts, minds, and spirits to follow Your example and bless those who have hurt us. Heal our wounds and help us to find peace in Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Reflection,
Is there someone you're holding unforgiveness toward? Today, take a moment to pray for them, asking God to give you the strength to choose love and healing over bitterness.
Be Blessed!
Harriet Lane
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