We hear the pain and anger in your words as you mark this difficult anniversary. The hurt caused by this person’s sins, lying, deception, manipulation, adultery, and abuse, is deep and real, and we grieve with you over the damage done. The Word of God does not shy away from the reality of evil, nor does it minimize the suffering it brings. The Bible warns us that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), and those who reject the truth of the gospel will face eternal separation from God in a place of torment (Matthew 25:46, Revelation 20:14-15).
Yet even in this moment of raw emotion, we must remember that our God is just, and His judgments are perfect. He sees all things, and He will repay every wrong (Romans 12:19). It is not our place to rejoice in the condemnation of another, even one who caused great harm, but to trust in the righteousness of our Lord. Jesus Himself wept over Jerusalem, longing to gather its people to Himself, even as He knew they would reject Him (Matthew 23:37). There is a holy sorrow even in the face of unrepentant sin.
We also want to gently remind you that while this person’s choices led them to destruction, the same gospel that was rejected by them is the very power of God for salvation to all who believe (Romans 1:16). If you have not already, we encourage you to examine your own heart before the Lord. Have you fully surrendered to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you repented of your own sins and placed your trust in Him alone? The Bible tells us, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, acknowledging the pain and injustice that has been done. We thank You that You are a God of justice, and that every wrong will be made right in Your perfect timing. Lord, we trust in Your righteous judgments, knowing that You see all things and will repay. We ask that You would comfort and heal the wounds left by this person’s sins. Bring Your peace to those who have been hurt, and guard their hearts from bitterness or unforgiveness.
Father, we also pray for the souls of those who have not yet turned to You. We know that Your desire is that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Soften hearts, Lord, and draw the lost to Yourself. And for us, Your children, help us to walk in love, even as we stand firm against sin. Give us the strength to forgive as You have forgiven us, and to extend the hope of the gospel to others, even in our pain.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
In this season of remembrance, we encourage you to cling to the promises of God. He is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Do not let the enemy use this pain to harden your heart, but allow the Lord to use it to draw you nearer to Him. If there is unforgiveness in your heart, ask the Holy Spirit to help you release it, not for the sake of the one who wronged you, but for your own freedom and peace. And if you have not yet fully surrendered your life to Christ, we urge you to do so today. The same grace that saves you is the grace that will sustain you through every trial.