Red-Letter DayMuestra

While none of us will ever experience the pain and agony that Jesus experienced on the cross, we’ve all been hurt by others. In fact, most of us have been severely hurt by another person at some point in our lives. That pain might have been physical, emotional, mental, or any combination of the three. Jesus experienced every type of pain and anguish possible on the cross, but instead of harboring a heart of resentment and anger, He modeled a heart of love and compassion.

We’ve been pondering what it meant for Jesus to ask God to forgive those that hurt Him. When someone hurts you, you are to model what Jesus did on the cross by praying. Scripture tells us that there are two things you pray for when others hurt you. The first is you are to pray for those who hurt you no matter how severely you’ve been hurt. It won’t be easy, but remember—you’re not just praying for those that hurt you, you’re also praying for yourself. Your prayer for others may or may not change them, but it will always change you. You can’t pray God’s blessings on someone else without God doing a significant work in your heart. The second thing you pray for is restoration. Pray for healing where there is a broken relationship. You can’t control what someone else does.

All you can control is what’s in your heart. Yesterday, you prayed for someone that’s hurt you. Keep praying for that person today and pray for restoration. Ask yourself: What first step of forgiveness do I need to take?