Lesson 5

One of the most difficult issues in life is learning to get along with other people. Usually our attitude is, "I’m fine. It’s the other guy who has the problem!"

God’s very best for our lives is that we live in peace with everyone all the time. Jesus has given to us the two most important commandments to live by; "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart. . .and your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27. It is a matter of choice . We can either offer love to help others attain blessings and goodness or look for the bad in them and hold grudges.

Understand that without God in our lives we all have the potential to be very nasty with others. We must be truthful with ourselves and acknowledge our part in the breakdown of bad relationships. The old spiritual song says, "It is Me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer."

Romans 12:17-21 really gives us a clear picture of how we are to act:

We cannot do the part of the other person, but we can do our part. Our part is to "not repay evil with evil" and to "not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good."

Yes! Really! Jesus said,

It is a heart condition. Beyond merely acting right, God insists that we truly forgive one another. Jesus also says, "For if you forgive men when they sin against you your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:15. God specifically makes my forgiveness of others a requirement of Him forgiving my sins.

So I can either:

The choice is clear.

We want to personally make sure that justice is carried out. It is at this point, however, that we must believe the word of God quoted above, "I will repay says the Lord." When we become Christians we forfeit our rights, forgive our debtors and trust God to carry out justice for us.

No! They may have no idea that they offended you. If they know, you are to love them by forgiving them. You can release them from the spiritual debt they owe you. That gives the Holy Spirit a great way to show them God’s love . When God forgave us He never agreed that what we did was OK. He simply demonstrated His love by forgiving us.

Jesus has taught us about this: "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your gift." (Matthew 5:23)

If someone has hurt you badly you can tell Jesus about it. He is the only person who really understands your hurt, rejection, pain, embarrassment, and injustice. As you earnestly pray for those who have wronged you, genuinely asking God to bless them, your heart will begin to heal . Follow your prayer by obeying another command of our Lord to "do good to those who hate you." In time your heart will catch up with your actions .

God created us with the ability to remember . Every time the memory of that offense returns, pray this prayer, "I forgive them. God bless them." If the offense was traumatic you may need to do this often. Eventually, days, weeks, then months will pass that you do not think about it. Trust God to give you the grace to continue this as long as it takes.

Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7)

Because we live in a sinful world, people will sin against us. When it happens, be ready to forgive and put God’s love on display. We are never more like Jesus than when we are forgiving!

Search your heart for feelings you have toward those who are "in debt to you"- those you think should come to you and apologize. If you find such people, release them! After you have done this in your heart, go to them and explain your feelings. Then let them know your decision to release them. You’ll be glad you did!

Jesus Knows