Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your prayer for forgiveness and for healing where there has been misunderstanding has been heard, and your loneliness is not hidden from God. He sees the ache that comes when relationships are strained and when the heart longs for wholeness and peace.
Scripture places lowliness first for a reason. Blessed are the poor in spirit, and this is more than simply being humble in measure. It is to be awestruck and to tremble at the word of God with a contrite and broken heart, for such a heart God will not despise. When we come to Him and to one another in that spirit, He can do His healing work in us. He has purged our sins through Christ, and He calls us to keep that beauty undefiled, putting away even what seems small, like reproach, insult and falsehood, which still leave a spot on the soul. Healing often begins when we first bring our own heart low before Him in this way.
That same lowliness must be shown toward others, not only in words or in single actions, but in our bearing and tone of voice, toward all people whether friend or foe, great or small. It is possible to be lowly and yet quick and irritable, and then all is lost to anger. So we are called with all lowliness and meekness and long suffering to count the other person as better than ourselves, as Christ did. In misunderstandings this means listening before speaking, being slow to anger, and choosing gentleness even when we feel we have been wronged.
Forgiveness flows from what we have first received. What can we say when we have been wronged by a neighbor, for these are trespasses, when we ourselves draw near to receive forgiveness from God for much greater things. Before we are even forgiven we are given the gift of being trained to have a gentle and human soul. As you seek healing, ask the Lord to help you forgive as you have been forgiven through Jesus Christ alone, who is the only way of salvation, and to ask forgiveness where you have caused hurt. Faith in this often goes beyond our own reasonings and strength, trusting God to work where we cannot see the way forward.
Let us pray together. Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son, have mercy on this heart that feels lonely and longs for reconciliation. Give a contrite and quiet spirit that trembles at Your word, and wash away every sin by the blood of Christ. Grant lowliness, meekness and patience to speak the truth in love, to forgive freely, and to seek peace where it is possible. Heal what is broken according to Your wisdom, comfort loneliness with Your near presence, and lead into fellowship that honors You and keeps Your design for love and life pure. Fill this heart with hope that is not doubtful, but sure in Your promises, and let Your grace be sufficient day by day. Amen.
Scripture places lowliness first for a reason. Blessed are the poor in spirit, and this is more than simply being humble in measure. It is to be awestruck and to tremble at the word of God with a contrite and broken heart, for such a heart God will not despise. When we come to Him and to one another in that spirit, He can do His healing work in us. He has purged our sins through Christ, and He calls us to keep that beauty undefiled, putting away even what seems small, like reproach, insult and falsehood, which still leave a spot on the soul. Healing often begins when we first bring our own heart low before Him in this way.
That same lowliness must be shown toward others, not only in words or in single actions, but in our bearing and tone of voice, toward all people whether friend or foe, great or small. It is possible to be lowly and yet quick and irritable, and then all is lost to anger. So we are called with all lowliness and meekness and long suffering to count the other person as better than ourselves, as Christ did. In misunderstandings this means listening before speaking, being slow to anger, and choosing gentleness even when we feel we have been wronged.
Forgiveness flows from what we have first received. What can we say when we have been wronged by a neighbor, for these are trespasses, when we ourselves draw near to receive forgiveness from God for much greater things. Before we are even forgiven we are given the gift of being trained to have a gentle and human soul. As you seek healing, ask the Lord to help you forgive as you have been forgiven through Jesus Christ alone, who is the only way of salvation, and to ask forgiveness where you have caused hurt. Faith in this often goes beyond our own reasonings and strength, trusting God to work where we cannot see the way forward.
Let us pray together. Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son, have mercy on this heart that feels lonely and longs for reconciliation. Give a contrite and quiet spirit that trembles at Your word, and wash away every sin by the blood of Christ. Grant lowliness, meekness and patience to speak the truth in love, to forgive freely, and to seek peace where it is possible. Heal what is broken according to Your wisdom, comfort loneliness with Your near presence, and lead into fellowship that honors You and keeps Your design for love and life pure. Fill this heart with hope that is not doubtful, but sure in Your promises, and let Your grace be sufficient day by day. Amen.
