And Moses cried to the LORD, “O God, please heal her—please.”
Numbers 12:13 (ESV)
Lord Jesus, give me a heart to forgive and pray for those who undermine and don’t support me! I confess that I often have a “don’t get made get even” mindset concerning those who seek to do me harm. I, unfortunately, learned a long time ago that everyone is not going to be Your friend. And some of the folks who hurt you the most are those closest to you! Because of it, I put my guards up, and when they strike, I find myself looking to strike back.
Yet, this morning I can hear Your Word speaking to my soul, “forgive for God has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13).” And then I see Moses, a man who does not speak well (Exodus 4:10), a less than perfect leader, somewhat behind the scenes (Numbers 12:3), yet seeing Miriam suffer, he prayed for her, his “backstabber,” that You would heal her! I am humbled. And then, I remember Your words from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34).” This is the mindset. This is what true love and service looks like. Not about me but about others to Your glory!
Lord, I confess I am not all the way there yet. I need Your grace and help. I decrease that You and Your Kingdom might increase in me. Give me a thick skinned, tender heart that I might not be hurt by others but love them and pray for them instead. Help me to love unconditionally and to serve selflessly. When I am hurt, and I will be hurt, remind me that my hurt will never rise to the level of hurt that You experienced on Calvary. And if You can forgive, so can I. Remind me of all the hurt I have caused and have not been held to account for, where I, like Aaron got off. And compel me to give more grace. For to whom much is given, much is required.
Thank You for the wellspring of forgiveness that I drink from daily. Empower me to dole it out to all who cross me, hurt me, betray me, mistreat me, and do me wrong. I want to look like You and love like You. Amen.