18/05/2019
FORGIVE AND FORGET
What does it mean to say, “Let go, and let God”?
It is not uncommon to appeal and appease the person who is hurting or disappointed or angry to let go and let God. In a simple understanding, it is like saying, “forget it”. Sometimes, it is an expression to avoid dealing with the situation; pretending to let it go. But the truth is that it is never gone rather, it is suppressed. Several hurts can be suppressed, not necessarily because the hurting person wanted to suppress them, but a way of self-care, avoiding trouble, or not creating trouble. The person will rather keep quiet and just wave it off. While this may help to keep the person in being and out of trouble; or to easily move on by putting the situation of the hurt behind him/her, this is only for a while. In the matter of time, when the person causing the pain or hurt attempt or make the simplest mistake, the offended will not be able to hold down anymore. The burst can be dangerous as the offended will bring out all the suppressed anger, hurts and pain. This may lead to a serious situation with long-range consequences. Therefore, St Paul warns, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil” (Eph 4:26-27)
On a very positive note, “let go, and let God” is a high level spiritual attitude which connotes total submission to the will of God (cf. Lk. 22:42; Acts 21:14). It is like saying, let God be the judge; “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Eccle 12:14). When one lets go and let God, one ignites God’s spot in one’s brain to take control of one’s thoughts, feelings and actions, in order for one to experience inner peace and joy that is not troubled by the hurt even when the wound is fresh, and the hurt is intense. It is offered up to God with the expectation of vindication from God (cf. Heb 10:30) and rewards of everlasting joy (cf. Matt 5 & 6). Peter said, “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (1Pet 1:6-7). “And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you (1Pet 5:10).
When someone offends you:
1. Be calm and vigilant (1 Pet 5:8-9)
2. Pulse a little to pray about it (1 Jn 5:16)
3. If it causes you anger, avoid saying anything in anger ( Prov 4:24)
4. Do not go to bed angry (Eph 4:26)
5. Let the person know that you feel hurt by the person’s words or deeds ( Matt 18:15)
6. Settle the issue with the person involved ( Matt 5:23-25)
7. If the person asks for forgiveness, forgive (Lk 17:3-4)
8. If not, ask for apology (Lk. 17:3)
9. If denied, hand it to God ( Matt 18: 15-17)
10. Pray for your healing and for the person ( Matt 5:44)
11. If the person asks for your help, offer help ( Lk. 6:35)
12. If the situation has caused you to sin, go to confession (James 5:16)
13. If you remember the incident and you feel the hurt, strive towards total healing and forgiveness ( Phil 3:13)
14. If too difficult, let God ( Acts 21:14)
15. If you remember the incident and you feel normal, then you are healed (Lk. 13:11-13; 1Pt 2:24)
Remember, there is no situation, no thought, no feeling, and no action of yours or of your offender that God cannot handle. Cast all hurts and pains unto Jesus for he has been through it and He cares about you (Ps 55:22; 1Pet 5:7).
Let Go…. Let God!
Be Blessed
