Let God Handle the hurt

“Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen.” Leviticus 19, 18 

We all get hurt, sometimes quite deeply. Nonetheless, we cannot give in to the temptation to hold a grudge and become resentful and mean-spirited. In the book of Leviticus, we are reminded of the obvious: “Do not steal. Do not swear falsely. Do not defraud your neighbor. Do not cause others to stumble. Do not bear hatred. God warns the chosen people for their own good not to hold to a grudge. Holding on to a hurt wounds us by destroying our spirit. It fills our heart with poison. Let go, and leave the hurt in God´s hands. The charge we hear in Matthew’s gospel is also well-known to us: “Whatever you do to the least of your brothers and sisters, you do to me.”

Externally, these teachings are not that complicated; the letter behind them is clear.  But internally, the challenge gets tougher, as we aim to embody the spirit that animates them. Today, let us pray for the grace to see—and respond to—Jesus in every person we meet, especially those most in need. In doing so, we will strive to follow the Lord’s charge to the Israelites: “Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy.”

Help me with you grace

Father, It is hard to forgive an injury, especially when it is at the hands of one whom we love. 
It does not come easily or naturally. 

Help me with your grace to forgive and surrender any feelings of bitterness and hatred. 

It may not be easy, but I need to do it so you can fill my heart with you peace. 

Amen.

Do I need to empty my heart of any hatred or grudges?