Scraps of Grace

As I was walking yesterday in the beautiful weather, I was talking to God. I asked Him how I would ever move forward from certain things I’ve been through, things that have happened to me, or even hurt I’ve caused to others.

When I began to speak to Him, He gently responded with a picture of Heaven.

Heaven is free from sorrow and death. Every wrong is made right. (Revelation 2:14) And we know, if we’ve asked for forgiveness and repented from our sins (Acts 3:19), we are headed in that direction. We may not be there yet, but Jesus offers us ways to have Heaven on Earth. He’s paid a great price to forgive others and ourselves for our sins. So I wound up here—

I’ll choose to look at life like this. One day, maybe I’ll feel strong enough to look everyone who’s ever hurt me in the face and say, “Thank you. I grew stronger.” And maybe too, I’ll be able to look at everyone I’ve hurt in the eyes and say with a soft and changed heart, “I’m so sorry. I wish I could take it back.” Even though I may never cross their path again, I can ask God to allow them to know how sorry I am in their hearts.

I spent a very long time living in hurt and regret. In fact, sometimes it can still be hard to lay it down. When others cause us deep pain, it can be hard to ever trust another again. When we cause others pain, it can be hard to trust ourselves.

But the more we live in hurt and regret, the harder our hearts become. There are some things we simply cannot change. Although God doesn’t promise us perfect circumstances, He does promise to make right every wrong and that we will one day see good from them. And He doesn’t break His promises.

We have two choices: either allow Jesus to heal our deep hurts, or stay stuck in them forever. We can’t heal our deep wounds on our own. But Jesus, however, has the power to do so.

This will be easier to do when we learn how much He loves us. So friend, today I encourage you to lay down any hurt caused to you, and the regret of hurts you caused others. Even if just for today.

Bible verse: Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

Song: Forgiveness — Matthew West