Living On The Edge

My monthly article written for : Intercessory Prayer Network  SE

After the birth of my firstborn child, I was in tremendous need of friendship. I was new to the great adventure of motherhood, and I needed all the support I could find. I saw an ad in the local newspaper for a support group for mothers, so I decided to give it a try. I attended the meetings, got to know the leader, and eventually accepted the job as co-leader of the group.

The support group seemed to be just what I needed at the time. But as the months went by, the burden of the leadership responsibilities began outweighing the benefits of my new support system. Ten months after joining the group, I wanted to walk away. I expressed my concerns to the woman I was co-leading with, which led to a misunderstanding between us. I noticed that my heart was beginning to harbor resentment. The warmth in our relationship turned to coldness.  

For the first time in my adult life – I had to face a heart-wrenching question: Would I be able to forgive, or would I hold onto the resentment? As a young woman in my twenties, I had very little relationship experience. But I knew what the Bible says about forgiveness:

Colossians 3: 13-14 "Bear with each other and forgive each other whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." NIV 

Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." NIV

Matthew 18:21-22 "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered,  ' I tell you the truth, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.' " NIV

Even though I knew these scriptures about forgiveness, I was tempted to harden my heart. I remember asking for prayer at church. I knew I needed the Lord’s help to do the right thing. I decided to call the woman and make things right. At the time, I had no idea what that phone call would mean for my life, and ultimately for God’s kingdom. There is one detail that is most significant about this story. The woman I needed to forgive was not a Christian. She knew that I was a strong Christian. What if I had chosen to stay offended and walk away from her life? What message would that have spoken to her heart – especially about God?

I believe the choice I made was a pivotal decision in my life. When I chose to forgive and to respond with love – the heavens rejoiced! The woman I forgave grew to become one of my most cherished friends. Seventeen years later, I have a gift to enjoy – an irreplaceable, lifelong friendship. Above all, my beloved friend gave her life to Christ. I pray that I will always exemplify the love of Christ and reap the blessing of forgiveness.

Amy

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