When we are burned (and burned badly), it’s tempting not to cut bait and run, so we can’t get hurt again. The enemy works in ways that are hard to see, inciting us to tear each other apart, even through unintentional, misplaced glances and misunderstood intentions. More often than not there’s enough blame for both parties to share. But it’s not about blame; it’s about the resulting pain. And whether by accident or intent, pain needs healing. Pain doesn’t need the retaliation or retribution that soothes our sense of justice but that just ends up keeping evil in circulation. Two wrongs don’t make a right, it just makes the world a worse place to live. So, together, when we’re hurt by a friend or an enemy … or a frenemy, let’s take that circumstance or that person or that thing that’s got us wrapped up and worked up – and cast that care on God, making room in our hearts for the forgiveness and healing that only His grace provides.
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Due to copyright restrictions from the movies we use in this series, messages from the God and the Movies series are not broadcast or archived for viewing. Audio formats, including our weekly podcast, are also unavailable for this series. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for journeying with us!
Homework
Our homework this week as we navigate the tricky waters of relationship:
Cast Your Cares on God – literally and physically. Take whatever has been thrown on you and pray and pace and toss the circumstances (and the individuals) that weigh so heavily on your heart right up and over to God. (He can take it.)
Work through Forgiveness. It doesn’t happen in a moment, it’s a process. It takes work to own your pain and ultimately, find freedom. Seek wise support and/or resources like these books: “Forgiving our Fathers & Mothers,” by Leslie Leyland Fields and “The Art of Forgiving,” by Lewis Smedes.
Finally, sit down in Psalm 55:2 and let its truth sustain you.
