I have found for me that the key to this is ‘forgiveness’ and ‘mind renewal’.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean that the offense didn’t happen; it
means you are choosing to release the offender from the debt owed to you.
Forgiveness
really isn’t for the offender as much as it is for us. When we choose to forgive an offender; an un-repentant offender at that, we are the ones who walk in victory over
the offense. Forgiveness is
necessary in order to bear our own fruit which we know comes from the
Spirit of God. See Galatians 5:22-23.
I love this quote from George Herbert on forgiveness: “He that cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if
he would ever reach heaven; for everyone has need to be forgiven.”
Forgiving someone often doesn’t come overnight- however, if we are faithful to seek God in this, He will be faithful to deliver. We must also renew our minds daily by the washing of the Word as instructed in Romans 12:2. This is crucial because when we have been hurt and or wounded it is so easy to follow the way of the world which would include revenge and retaliation.
There is a powerful audio message on “How to be transformed” by Pastor Jeff Colon of Pure Life Ministries found at their website.
There is also a powerful audio message from biblical counselor Rose Colon of Pure Life Ministries on “The Patient Mercy of God.”
Be blessed!