Two Women in Solomon’s CourtFriend or Foe?

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25

Both women were wounded: one by a loss that was unthinkable, the other by an act that was unbelievable.

Grief causes us to do strange things.

When has a friend hurt you? Did you find it hard to forgive?

The word ‘vulnerable’ comes from the Latin word for ‘wound’; it means, literally, woundable.

The temptation is to shut off; but God wants us to heal so we can risk relationships again.

“Blessed is the onewhose transgressions

are forgiven,whose sins are

covered.Blessed is the one

whose sin the LORD does not count against them

and in whose spirit is no deceit.” Ps. 32:1-2

Jesus hurts with us (Mary and Martha, Lazarus’ death—”Jesus wept.”). He longs to comfort us in our grief.

God will bring us to a place where we can forgive, in His power.

God calls us to forgive because He forgave us.

Not forgiving is like eating poison and waiting for the rat to die.

“Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past.”Isaiah 43:18

Gratitude is a skill that can be developed. Joy comes from living with a grateful heart.

Am I holding onto something that I need to let go of? What is God chiseling away in me? Am I being obedient, or am I resisting?

With Him, ALL things are possible. Even forgiving the worst betrayal imaginable.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”John 8:31-32

God conforms us to the image of His son, and much of that comes through trials.

Later, we will be able to give hope to others with the healing we have received from Jesus.

In God’s economy, our wounded places become ministry spaces.