Vengeance is mine?

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.


As a woman who has lived for a short while, I've been wronged now and then.  I've experienced divorce and other harms against me which are difficult to forgive.  However, as I read scripture, over and over again I am called to forgive.  Impossible in my own strength, but wonderfully possible through a growing understanding of God's character and power.


Today, it has become possible to release many things to Him not expecting a bolt of lightning to strike my offender, but an outpouring of love to flow into the person whom I feel has hurt me or hurt someone I love.  God's love can overcome them allowing them the forgiveness and freedom that results.


Recently, out to dinner with acquaintances, I experienced a visual picture of bitterness.  Bitterness was expressed and obviously birthed from a heart filled with unforgiveness and continually sought out revenge on an ex-spouse.  It's not an attractive picture!  To any objective bystander, it becomes obvious who is held in bondage.


I urge you to forgive if you are holding onto the need for revenge on your ex - especially if you have children together.  Divorce is horrible and a tragedy, but unfortunately you can't stay married by yourself.  I believe strongly in staying married, but it takes two people.  If your spouse wants the marriage to fail, it probably will.  Life isn't fair, move on and make your life something wonderful!  God's plans for you haven't changed and they aren't dependent upon your ex-spouse. If God is your source, then look to Him and not someone else to fund your life.  He has given you the ability and you will find freedom like you've never known before.  


Women are balancing careers and children every day globally with or without a spouse who helps.  It's hard, it's exhausting, it's chaotic, it is sometimes impossible to see the end of the rainbow, but if I can do it, I know without a doubt anyone can!   There is also a day when they move on with their own life.....empty nest years are a beautiful thing!




(c) 2011 Daphne Keys