SEPTEMBER 26: “UNFORGIVENESS AND PAST CHURCH HURTS”

Unresolved past hurts within the church and unforgiveness of any kind affect the free flow of God’s peace among the brethren, affecting relationships and community building. These affect trust, making it challenging to form deep and meaningful relationships as well as creating emotional baggage and inhibiting full engagement among the brethren.

Betrayals, marginalisation and judgemental attitudes often create hurts and when no proper resolutions attend to these, it is easy that the hurt party lives in unforgiveness and a wedge is driven into the fellowship which may manifest as the root of bitterness. Bible cautions against the “root of bitterness” that can arise from unforgiveness, potentially causing spiritual harm and division. Unforgiveness in itself is a poison that locks the unforgiving person in their own self-made prison, a bondage that traps in a vicious cycle of anger, resentment and bitterness which may affect mental health and well-being, leading to estrangement.

Col 3:13 says “Forbearing (as to present offences) one another and forgiving (as to past offenses) one another, if any man has a quarrel against any; even as Christ (our perfect example) forgave you, (even before your offences in anticipation) so also do you! You are invited to always show acceptance, love and compassion to those who hurt you and to endeavour to heal emotional wounds- as charity covers all sins. Be that child of God that will provide support and if need be, resources for those hurting, helping in the process to heal and restore relationships, creating a safe environment to share hurts and concerns listening with empathy.

PRAYER: Father, open the eyes of my mind to see all areas where there is yet unforgiveness in me. Heal me from all emotional barriers that have inhibited intimacy as they concern me and relieve me of all past hurts for the glory of your name, that your body may be in unity as you desire, Amen.