Scripture

Isaiah 61:1 NIV

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.

Consider

How did the people who raised you handle hurts and offenses? If they had difficulty forgiving, chances are that you do, too. The behaviors that were modeled for us become our default reactions that kick in whenever we encounter conflict—unless we learn new habits.

The apostle John writes that those who follow God’s ways walk in the light. He also claims that people will prefer darkness if they don’t want their evil ways exposed. We always have the choice whether to remain in dark captivity or to follow God’s ways into light and freedom.

We choose darkness when we give our hearts over to bitterness and hate. Holding a grudge may seem right and just because it’s what we’ve been taught. We may believe that payback is the only way to satisfy our need for justice, but returning evil for evil only keeps us in darkness, prisoners of a world system that promises satisfaction but delivers heartache and ruined relationships.

In the Isaiah passage quoted above, Jesus Himself is the anointed One whom God sends to comfort the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and deliver the prisoners from darkness. Is that you? The word “prisoners” here can also be translated “the blind.” The Spirit can help you open your eyes to see a better way of responding to conflict, which is God’s way of mercy and healing. Let God break your chains of bitterness and lead you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Pray

FATHER, it’s true that withholding forgiveness keeps me bound to the very act that hurts and angers me, yet I can’t seem to help myself. I automatically respond to conflict with self-protecting behaviors and a self-righteous attitude that makes me right and the other person wrong. I do believe that forgiveness is a wise policy, but show me how I can practice it in real life situations. Temper my reflexive defensiveness with kindness and patience and mercy that are the good gifts of your Spirit in my life.

Reflect

John 3:19;  1 Peter 2:9;  1 John 1:5-7

Ponder

What did I learn from my caregivers about how to treat people who offend me?