Daily Gospel Reflection for June 14, 2022

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Tracy Eisner

Today's Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48

Hurt people hurt people. Oh, but we are an imperfect people, aren’t we? I have lost count of the times I have lashed out at those closest to me because I was mistreated, left out, passed over, yelled at, or humiliated. The last thing I wanted to do in any of those situations was to pray for and love those whom I perceived betrayed me in some fashion. Are you kidding me? I’d rather spit nails at them and march them across a stage in a packed arena and unload their most vulnerable issues for all to see, humiliating and annihilating that person, providing my own personal and amazing revenge. And yet, even in that hateful fantasy, I know there would be no satisfaction in that act. In fact, I am certain I would be left feeling worse than I did during my own perceived attack. Interestingly enough, when I choose the low road, I perpetuate anger that feeds on itself and grows exponentially, leaving me bitter, unhappy, and robbed of receiving kindness, healing, and love from those closest to me.

I wish I could tell you that I have always forgiven and forgotten, but, sadly, that is not the case—you could probably tell from the horrible revenge fantasy I spoke of earlier. What I will tell you, is that I have given forgiveness in horrifically dark times, and the gifts that came from extending those pardons is a peace that brought the most divine healing. Not everyone that I forgave knew or even acknowledged my forgiveness, and it didn’t matter. Allowing the Holy Spirit in to do the demolition and renovation work on my heart was hard. Excruciating. Beyond my own comprehension to this day. And yet, I allowed it. I invited it. I begged for it. I knew that without it, my heart would never recover. The scars are ugly but they tell a story. The story is that, yes, hurt people hurt people. However, we have a gracious and merciful God, and when we allow Him to do the heavy lifting and hand over our betrayal, hurt, and pain, He will take it all. He already has. So pray for those who persecute and humiliate you and know that Christ has already endured it for you and will use every bit of it for good. It is a gift. Let go and let God. He never disappoints.

Ponder:

Are you ready to do the unthinkable and pray for and love the person(s) who has betrayed, humiliated, and hurt you? Are you ready to let go and let God?

Pray:

Lord, grant us all the courage to offer forgiveness and love to those who purposefully cause us harm and allow us to receive Your love and peace in the wake of letting go.

Click to tweet:
We have a gracious and merciful God, and when we allow Him to do the heavy lifting and hand over our betrayal, hurt, and pain, He will take it all. He already has. #dailygospel

Copyright 2022 Tracy Eisner

Tracy Eisner is a wife of twenty-seven years to her high school sweetheart with four grown children (how did THAT happen?) and a dog and cat to round out the emptying nest. Lover of the beach and the mountains, a good cup of coffee with a book, and a comfy chair!