Just want to share with all of you my struggles with my relationship with a friend knowing you will all understand my situation and to pray for me to obey whatever God wants me to do.
Three months ago, I had a petty misunderstanding with my close friend which escalated into a more serious one. We both held a grudge against one another, that any effort of reconciliation was impossible because no one was willing to take the blame.
We were friends for almost 12 years now and everyone was telling us no one can break the bond between us; not until the housing department of the hospital shifted both of us to the same accommodation. I could say now, you will not really know a person until you both live together in one roof.
I shared the issue with our common friend and told me to take the first step to reconcile with her. I hesitated and said to myself how could I forgive her when she is not even showing remorse for what she did to me?
But God reminded me in His Word in Matthew 18:21-22, “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you not seven times but seventy-seven times.’”
Forgiveness… It is easier said than done. We tend to withhold it until we feel ready, or the offender shows some indications of remorse. As a Christian, I know what I had or need to do, even though I don’t feel like doing it.
God reminded me again of what He did in Calvary when our Lord Jesus prayed aloud on the cross “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” God does not treat me as my sins deserve, nor does He expect me to keep records of how others (friends, family, co-worker, neighbor) have wounded me. I am commanded, by the one who forgave me, to forgive and to pray for those who despitefully use me and forgive as I have been forgiven.
Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving me of my sins. Truly, Lord, I am not worthy to be called Your daughter for I have not been good to a friend who has wounded me. Forgive me, Lord. Help me, Father, to understand and see my friend as you see her. Show me, Lord, how to forgive as You have forgiven me. Help me, Lord, to obey Your command to forgive and love my friend unconditionally. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.
