“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”- Romans 5:8
“You can tell a lot about someone’s heart by how that person prays when he or she has been wronged.”- Bill Hybels
In Chapter 5 (“From Wounded to Whole: Making Room for Forgiveness”) of Simplify, Bill Hybels points out that, at times, we grossly underestimate the emotional and physical toll of living with relational rift:
“Relational breakdowns extract energy from us. They take up head space and heart space. They hang over us like a dark, grey cloud.”
Pastor Hybels notes it is impossible to live simplified lives unless we attend to broken relationships. The prayer Jesus prayed while hanging on the cross- “Father, forgive them, for the do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34)- is a major foundation of the Christian faith. In the midst of our sinfulness and wrongdoing, Jesus has forgiven us.
As Pastor Hybels observes, it is human nature to put ourselves before others. However, we cause harm when we do so. The true condition of our soul is revealed by our prayers. The author has developed three categories to help us respond to those who have wronged us: minor offenses, legitimate wounds, and life-shattering injustices. The first category will be discussed in tomorrow’s blog.
Today’s question: In what relational breakdowns do you need to experience healing? Please share.
Coming Monday: the new Short Meditation, “Where’s the fire?”
Tomorrow’s blog: “Minor offenses”
