03/12/2025
FORGIVENESS FOR THOSE WHO WOUND US INSTEAD OF SUPPORTING.
There was a day I felt deeply wounded, not just emotionally, but spiritually. Someone I trusted did something terribly wrong to me.
In every sense, it was unjust. He didn’t only hurt me; he insulted me and spoke against my ministry.
I was pained, bitter, and angry. My heart burned with thoughts of revenge, and I made up my mind to go before the altar and call on the God who called me to waste his life.
But on my way to the church, something happened. My mind went to the story of the rich man, Lazarus, and Abraham.
The Bible says they all recognized each other after death, even though they were in different places.
Suddenly, I asked myself a question “How would I feel if I see this man burning in hell while I am in heaven?”
I realized that no matter the pain he caused me, it'd be temporary compared to the eternal joy of seeing him in heaven.
When I arrived at church, I stood at the altar, holding my Bible, my heart heavy with pain.
I lifted my hands to pray, but instead of judgment, mercy came out of my mouth.
With tears, I said, “Lord, have mercy on him, for I have forgiven him.”
Those words were not planned, they were born out of a wounded heart healed by grace.
To my greatest surprise, just a week later, that same man came looking for me. He knelt before me and apologized sincerely.
Today, that man is a vessel in God’s hands, doing exploits for the Kingdom.
Sometimes, the greatest victory is not when your enemies fall, but when they rise in Christ.
Forgiveness frees two people; the offender and the offended.
Pastor Dr. I. G. Awotanmi
