Malachite Stone
“We renew our minds by learning to think like God thinks.”- June Hunt
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”- Romans 12:2 (NIV)
As June Hunt continues Chapter 6 of How to Forgive, she discusses the role thinking plays in forgiving. Ms. Hunt emphasizes that God does not ask us to bury or stifle our pain. He does, however, ask us to change how we think (emphasis author’s) about our offender(s). She describes how God has give us a new way of thinking through reflection on Romans 8, verse 1:
“. . . how can we continue to condemn others, as if God’s grace had never been seen within Jesus and make alive by Jesus and come to us through Jesus? We forgive not because it feels right, but because we doggedly decide to follow Christ’s example. We forgive because we choose to, and we do it in the very midst of our pain.”
June notes that his is a daunting task requiring discipline and self-sacrifice. Our pain has a purpose. God is refining us. Ms. Hunt states that malachite is a semiprecious stone prone to shattering under pressure. Similarly, the pressure of painful offenses can make us feel emotionally fragile- on the verge of shattering. This, in turn, fuels the heat of resentment. June offers these words of encouragement:
“But when you give your resentful rocks to the Master Craftsman, He will transform every trial into a treasured opportunity to become more like Him and to display His heart to a world that has no hope. Make not mistake, your pain has a purpose. . . . always intended to shape you, not to shatter you.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses have helped you think like God thinks about those who have hurt you? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Three powerful truths”
