Sometimes someone says something intentionally, or unintentionally and I get my feelings hurt. Recently, someone said something to me that cut to the core. But, I wasn't going to let it bother me. I took it to the cross and 'left it there'. I forgave the person-until someone else came to me with a similar complaint about the same person. I jumped on the wagon and added my two cents. In my heart I heard that Small Voice telling me not to say anything,but I didn't listen. It didn't stop there. I shared my sorrow with the next person I spoke to. I was justified in my hurt.
Then, I happened to bump into the person I had already 'forgiven'. I felt horrible. I wanted to run and hide, like Peter when the rooster crowed, confronting him with his sin.
Jesus had told Peter he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed in the morning. Peter said "I would never!" But, when the rooster crowed, he realized he had denied Jesus, just as He said. He had gotten lost in the hurt and betrayal of the moment and forgotten what Jesus had said. Peter cried bitterly.
The Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts. He spoke to mine. I should have said nothing, since I had already taken the hurt to the cross. Yet, I chose to ignore the voice of the Holy Spirit in the hurt of the moment,partaking in someone else's offense.
Like Peter, I realized what I had done. I got on my knees and wept. 'Lord,forgive me'. The Lord forgave me, just as He forgave Peter.
My lesson in repentance leads me to His green pastures of mercy. Our Lord is faithful to forgive us our sins. I am grateful.
My prayer today: Lord, my desire is to open my heart, not only to sincerely listen, but to obey Your voice. In Jesus' name. Amen.
