spinach lessons

I've heard it said, "Forgiveness is like spinach. You might not like the taste, but it's good for you." Despite my lesson, I love spinach!! Anyway... I recently had the opportunity to "chew on" this spiritual wisdom, when someone close to me hurt my feelings.

We've been friends for 3 years, so her comment stunned me. Her words cut the silence. I thought she was joking but the tension in her voice were clear. I was hurt at what had just transpired. How could she have been so mean to me? What had I done to cause such hurtful words?

Over the next few days my hurt feelings turned to anger. Again and again her words rang in my ears. Soon unforgiveness crept in, spoiling my attitude. Knowing it would be easy to slip from an unforgiving attitude to sinful actions, I began searching God's Word for wisdom on this subject.

In Matthew 18:21-35 Jesus tells of a servant forgiven a huge debt by his king. When the same servant has an opportunity to forgive someone a minor debt, he chooses to inflict punishment instead. The king finds out and is outraged.

I suddenly realized that my heart wanted to hurt her back. I was going to pull out of her wedding and say the heck with her. These words pierced my heart as I thought of my bitter attitude toward my friend. As I meditated on these verses, I was reminded of times I had said or done hurtful things to others. At those times the forgiveness of God was extended to me. I could no longer allow myself to withhold forgiveness.

She did call me yesterday and apologized. In the last 3 years I have tried so hard to be a good friend, despite the fact that she isn't always a friend to me and there are times I have to remind myself to "eat my spinach" as I continue to forgive the one who hurts me. As I have struggled with this issue, God has shown me biblical steps to take as I forgive someone who has hurt me.

Father God, I acknowledge the unforgiving spirit I have had toward my friend. Help me forgive her as You forgive me. Put a guard on my mouth in order that my words would be pleasing to others and to You.