Greetings Prayer Warriors,
Relationships of
any type can be complicated, but when you commit to someone for life, as we do
in marriage, complicated is too simple of a word! Who could have guessed that
after the “I do” you would be led down roads and paths you never anticipated,
suffer hardships that you never imagined, and experienced joys that would take
you to new heights? Most storms can be
weathered, but the worst ones are when you hurt or are hurt by the one you love,
the one you made a commitment to, and the one who made a commitment in return.
Perhaps you were
the one hurt, or perhaps you are the one begging forgiveness. This is where the hard work begins, for it calls
us to be Christ-like; humble and merciful. Humble and contrite if we hurt our
spouse with malicious words or actions; merciful if we were hurt by such words
or deeds. Sometimes we prefer to nourish and justify our anger as we bathe in self-righteousness.
Other times we stubbornly choose not to forgive for the wound is raw and deep. Yet, Christ taught us that how we respond to
others, is how He will treat us at the last judgement.
Be merciful, just as [also]
your Father is merciful. “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning
and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:36-37
We are truly
incapable of doing as Christ did if we do not open ourselves up to and accept His
grace. Thus, we pray:
Merciful Savior, you bore all
of our hurts, pains, and offenses first, so that we could be redeemed in the
bath of your Precious Blood. Open our eyes to the pain we have inflicted upon
our spouse recently or in the past, intentionally or unintentionally. Help us
to humble ourselves as we ask their forgiveness. In turn, give us the grace to let
go of all old wounds inflicted by our spouse. May we voice our forgiveness to them,
and with a contrite heart say before You now, I forgive (name of spouse). Be merciful
to me Lord as I am merciful to others. Amen.
Peace, Joy, and
Love,
Janet
Wounds festers
when we cling to unforgiveness. Let go and let God heal you! Pass it on!
