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Letting Go of Offenses
Maybe you’ve been a character in this story: We’re packing up the car, getting ready for a Christmas road trip to see extended family. I’m acting like a completely stressed-out Boss 2.0 to my kids and husband when finally—I break. My husband leans over, “What’s going on?” Apparently, I was obviously over and above my normal travel-frazzled self.
As miles pass, I ask myself the seemingly cliché question, Why am I so stressed during such a joyous time of year? You know the logic. It’s time for baby Jesus, family, friends, pies, gifts, football, and of course hot cocoa. It’s a break from our daily routines. What’s my deal?
I didn’t make it too far, so I decided to ask God to help me see what was going on. Year-old cutting comments and critiques from a family member returned to my mind.
Is that where all the pressure had built up? The drive gave me time to realize I’d believed the comments and let them validate my own insecure thoughts. I grew mad at myself for not standing up for myself, but also mad I carried the weight so long. And mad that I was letting it affect my own family. But getting mad at myself wasn’t doing much to relieve the pressure.
Finally, I decided to start praying for the person who hurt me. It may not change them, but it will certainly change me, I thought to myself. I decided to start encouraging them because maybe their comments came from insecurities and hurt I’ve felt, too. It’s a better road to go down. God’s road.
I also decided to forgive. Jesus told us and showed us to forgive. He forgave me. Seventy times seven in a day, is how many times He said we should forgive one another. In other words, we should forgive one another as often as forgiveness is needed.
Our family van is lighter this year because I’m not carrying the weight of dread and pain. Instead, I’m packing His peace, presence, and light.
What’s a relationship in your life that’s creating pressure? How will you let Jesus in you relieve the pressure?
Christi, traveling light this Christmas
Consider: Who will you be praying for more often? How can you forgive them?
About this Plan
In a crowded Christmas season, most of us feel the stress and anxiety of family relationships, financial pressure, hasty decisions, and disappointed expectations. So go ahead. Take a breath. Start this Life.Church Bible Plan and realize the weight we feel may be something God never asked us to carry. How about we let go of the baggage? Let’s travel light.
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