In God's Hands

Photo by Gerd Altmann at Pixabay

With the holiday season starting next week, our expectations and disappointments rise. Who doesn’t want the traditional Currier and Ives's holiday surrounded by a loving family? But no matter how hard we try, some people will not respond to kindness and friendship. Misunderstandings, mistrust, opinions and differences in beliefs lead to rejection and discord. Even Scripture warns us of enmity between family members, friends and community.

Even so, the pain is still there, clouding our days, particularly during the holidays.

Jesus told us to forgive not once, but seventy times seventy. It’s for our own health even if it’s not reciprocated. So, we forgive and receive no response from the other party. What then?

In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father stood ready to welcome his wayward child, but he didn’t go searching for him. He waited for his son to return and ask for forgiveness. Jesus didn’t chase people down the street and beg them to listen to him either.

The same applies to us. No chasing after people who do not want a relationship or are toxic to our mental and physical health. With prayer we let them go, placing them and our expectations in God’s hands. What better place to leave them?

Dear Lord, you see the hurt and the pain of this broken world, and you weep with us. But we wait in hope, because through you all things are possible, even the melting of stony hearts. Amen.