...if God wont give up... neither will I

Everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt when they wrong us.

I faced some persecution that tried to pierce the armor of God. This time, I stood firmly. In my past, harsh words would be very hurtful and I wouldn't handle situations in Truth.

This time around, the lies and name calling had no ill effect in my walk that day. I didn't accept the attitude and tone that was being directed to me by someone that reminded me of how I used to be.

Despite how I was treated, I still give the benefit of the doubt. Sure, our friendship that took so long to build up was taken down in two days- it might be down... but its not out. There is still a remnant of our friendship that remains- but you gotta know where to find it. And when you find it, you can recognize more of who God is and how He is working in this scenario.

... forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors...

The forgiveness was already there! How much more is Christ revealing Himself in and through me? His mercy, grace and love is sooooo much more than hatred, destruction and a lot of words w/ the prefix of 'dis' in it. The accusations put no burden on me like they used to. Humbleness overpowered hostility.

That is not to say there isn't any pain or aftermath from this infraction. In our human nature, we still have to deal with the pain and consequences. The only way to understand this is through God- only He can reveal the problem, and only He can reveal the solution. His ways is not our ways. And when (I'm talking from experience)... we try and deal with it in our own fashion- pride, anger, malice, contempt... gets involved and takes over the situation. But, when you see it through the eyes of Christ, He shows you the problem- He's been there... and knows the solution- done that.

He doesn't value sin! He doesn't care what we have done.

Luke 3:8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance...

We are sinners and we are going to sin. We are but lost sheep, but those who know His voice, come back to Him.

How can I not have mercy on whom caused a wrong to me, when in the past, Christ forgave me of all the wrongs I caused to those... after I asked for it. I seen a bit of my past in this person's anger. I was there at some and many points of my life, but that is not who I am any longer. In fact, if Christ wont give up on him... neither will I.

I have a brother in Christ who once said... those who fail are those who give up. I give the benefit of the doubt in what transpired, because... God allowed it to happen. God is waiting to see if he'll respond to His calling. I certainly am waiting to act in responding to my friend and sharing the Truth in this trial. How amazing is that!

Grace, mercy and love is the driving force in restoration. Forgiveness has already redeemed in my life, by means of not feeding my thoughts... starving all the negative thoughts- you know what happens when we starve ourselves, we get skinny- and it takes a long time. The more we starve the bad fruits in our lives, the more good fruits we can produce. We do reap what we sow!

LGLG: Let Go, Let God.

WWJD: What would Jesus do?

Have mercy on those who wrong you... because you may just be practicing what they are doing to you. Don't let the world influence you... but, it is us that can influence the world.