Read Ephesians 4:31-32

I will admit, when I saw that this was a topic of “Grudges” I was reluctant to write it. However, if I have learned anything as a believer, the Lord teaches us, even in that which makes us sad.  I read Ephesians 4:31-32 and I think to myself, “I don’t hold grudges, I am forgiving”; but the Truth is that I am still learning to have a forgiving heart in certain relationships.

To shed some light on a bit of my story:
My parent’s divorced when I was 6 years old and wounds that are 24 years old are still healing when it comes to my relationship with my father. Christmas time has certain sadness because I do not have a warm relationship with my father, and, because of this, I need to consistently approach the Lord for guidance, wisdom, truth and comfort.

No matter what has occurred over the last 24 to 30 years of my life, nothing changes the call the Lord has given me when it comes to my father. Ephesians 4:31-32 is a perfect example of this Truth that He has called of me.

“ Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

Something I am reminded of when reading this verse is that my father is my brother in Christ FIRST and, just as I look to a complete stranger who is a brother in Christ, I need to see my father through the eyes of Christ. Jesus is the reason for the season, and this reason, alone, is one that causes a change of heart.

I am not sure if there is someone in your life that the Lord has brought to heart when reading this truth, but I urge you to take some time to pray over that relationship. Pray over the wrong that was done and allow the Lord to cover it with His peace. Allow Him to show you a new perspective of that person’s life and the relationship He wants for the two of you.

I haven’t figured anything out as far as my relationship with my dad, but, what I urge you to do, I ask and challenge this of myself too. This Christmas season, let’s choose to change the perspective we have and let’s see ALL as Christ sees them.

Kelly Lawson