"So I was in a Chick-fil-a drive through and the lady behind me continuously tooted her horn and flipped me off because I was taking too long to order. Once she ordered, I asked the cashier what did she get. It wasn't much so I paid for her food. I continued to the next window and she leaned out of her window looking all crazy at me because the cashier told her I paid for her food. I know she was embarrassed so I avoided looking through the rear view mirror so we wouldn't catch eye contact. When I got to the last window to get my food, I showed the assistant both my receipts and took her food too! I paid for it, it's mine! Now she has to go around again and wait even longer."
This made me laugh but it also hit home. I have thought of doing something nice for someone and then wanted to take it back. When I am wronged I can forgive but don't make me keep forgiving! When that resentment piles up there comes a point that I am DONE! But that is certainly not biblical. Matthew 5: 38-39, "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.'"
It has taken me a long time to be able to fully forgive and let go of my anger and pain when the situation continually happens. If they were sorry and the action stopped, I would be ok to move on but that wasn't going to happen so I was left holding to anger and pain. I guess I thought I could dig my heels in and wait til they got what they deserved.
Romans 12: 19, "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." When our anger takes over we are not being righteous. We are not trusting God to be the judge. How can we have those feelings and show grace? Quit waiting for an apology! Stop waiting for someone to change. Stop keeping count of the wrongs. Use that time, energy and space for God to fill you with peace and joy! Forgive and move on!
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