Today's Scripture
"And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop." - Mark 11:25
Thoughts for Today
You and your spouse have hired lawyers, and divorce papers have been filed. You may feel out of control and bewildered, but try to stay open even now to the possibility of reconciliation.
Perhaps you have reached the point where the divorce is a reality, and the details need to be worked out. Most legal divorces result in economic divorce. Family lifestyle is altered by the financial settlement, alimony, and child support.
And, one of the most painful parts of all, the children. You and your spouse are divorcing each other, but not the children. This is when issues of guilt, custody, visitation, and family "rights" must be settled.
Consider this …
Even when divorces start out "friendly," they often deteriorate into fierce battles while working through these details. Well-meaning friends are saying, "Don't let him get away with that!" "Don't let her do that to you!" Fear and anger begin to take control.
Perhaps your spouse has been unfaithful or even abusive. What does God call you to do? To get even? No. Today's scripture makes it clear that we are to forgive, to let it go.
Jesus died on the cross for all our sins and failures. He paid the penalty for us and offers us forgiveness as a gift. How can we refuse to offer forgiveness to others? Holding on to resentment and bitterness hurts us more than anyone. It robs us of peace and keeps us from moving on with our lives.
Forgiveness does not mean allowing the person who has hurt us to manipulate us or take advantage of us. But it does mean making our choices and decisions prayerfully and without any malice.
Get rid of the weight. Ask God to help you forgive and move forward in His love and strength.
Prayer
Father, forgive me for my anger and bitterness. Help me to forgive my spouse, to let go of the anger. And then help me make wise decisions. Help me do things Your way. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …Handling Loss and Grief: How to Face Losses in Life and Grieve Christianly by Raymond T. Brock, Ed.D. This study teaches participants what the Bible has to say about handling the losses of life. It offers biblical coping methods for facing loss.
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