Forgiving isn’t easy

Recently I have encountered a very difficult situation with a relative.
They have done something very wrong and I am frustrated beyond my limits, I’m mad and my natural inclination is to tell them exactly how I feel and to do my very best to try and get even. I have been wrestling with this situation throughout each night when I should be resting and sleeping. In my mind I have run through a hundred letters that I would like to write and actions that I would like to take. Finally it occurred to me to pray about it. (This should have been the FIRST thing that I did). God does not directly talk to me but it is funny how when I face difficult problems and go to the Lord in prayer how a Bible verse will pop into my mind, or I will turn to the exact passage that I need when leafing thru my Bible. Such was the case with this problem. Three passages came to mind and I have listed them below. It is very difficult to adhere to this advice but I’m going to try and pray that God will give me strength to follow through with it, especially the forgiving portion. I believe that forgiveness is the one thing that Jesus exemplified above all others. Our goal should be to be like Him.
Situations similar to the one which I am now facing, are made to order to TEST my resolve to obey God, or yield to my natural, fleshly, evil desire to “get even”. I once had a mentor who gave me some very sound advice. He told me when I get mad about something to sit down and write a letter and tell them everything that I ever wanted to tell them in no uncertain terms. Then he told me to tear it up and throw it away. I have never regretted following this advice, but I have always regretted it when I didn’t.

———————————-

Deu 32:35
Vengeance is mine and
recompense;
Their foot shall slip in due
time;
For the day of their calamity
is at hand…

Romans 12:20
Therefore
If your enemy is hungry, feed
him;
If he is thirsty, give him a
drink;
For in so doing you will heap
coals of fire on his head.
Do not overcome by evil, but
overcome evil with good.

Matthew 6:12
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into
temptation,
but deliver us from the evil
one.





———————————-