-Lord, last night, I dreamed I couldn’t find my former friend. You know the pain and deep sense of loss and betrayal…the feeling like he never could have really loved me…the times when he hurt my feelings so deeply. The memories rise up to give credence to the thought that I was a convenient distraction in his life... nothing more. This rejection really hurts. I so want to write to him and tell him so. Wouldn’t this fall under “speaking the truth in love” ? Perhaps he has no clue that he has broken my heart. What do You say Lord?

 

+You already know the answer my little one. Do I present you with a laundry list of the ways you’ve hurt and disappointed Me? or do I consciously reapply the shed blood of Calvary to your sins and drop them in the sea of forgetfulness?  Did the prodigal son’s father greet him with a memo of the ways his departure broke his heart or did he run to him…robe in hand…to cover over his sin and fallen state?  This, my beloved girl, this is the heart of Calvary. This is the hardest thing to do but it is the best. No, you cannot summon up the strength to do this yourself, but here is where you experience the mighty empowering that is yours for the asking. Once you have truly forgiven this dear friend of your broken heart, it will be as though he never hurt you at all. You are the one who must act…now…while the wound is fresh and the tears are not dry. You are the one who gets to choose this day who you will serve, the God of Love Who forgives the worst sinner and washes him clean or yourself?  Do you hug these injuries to your self, allowing them to continue to do damage to your heart, making you bitter and cynical (that’s what happens to unforgiven hurts) or do you hold them out to the light of My Grace and allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse you and wash you clean. This choice is the eternal choice. Choose life, my love….choose Love. Choose to forgive and forgive and forgive. Harbor no ill thoughts. Do not envy or withhold the love in your heart as a punishment. When you belong to the Father (and you do…completely) your only response to this kind of injury is the same love shown you on Calvary. There is no other way that leads to life and wholeness. Lay it down, my love and feel the mantle of peace and freedom cover over you and heal your heart. I know this isn’t easy, but it’s the way of life set before you. I have gone before you…shown you the path for your life. This leads to joy and freedom…Rest in me and trust your cares to the One Who will never ever leave you or forsake you. Forgive from your heart now and then choose to rejoice in the God of your salvation. This is a recipe for gladness. Be glad!