I belong to a big, happy family. My parents raised us lovingly in a Christian home. Life has not been easy on us because of several tragedies the family faced yet the Lord did not allow us to carry the burden alone and used the family as our refuge.
Time passed like wind; my father, as sweet and jolly as ever, my older brothers have their own families, my sister and I have our job, and the little kids in the family are now in college. We remained the happy family that we were until this one incident—when my (other elder) brother (suddenly) had a bad temper. We love him so much but for some reason he became very grumpy. This change drastically affected the serenity at home. My younger siblings were always calling out to us, whining of being emotionally battered. They could not bear his attitude. We tried to talk to him but of no use. Eventually, his temper got into my nerves. I wanted to protect our home. I decided to give him some space. My siblings did the same.
Everything in the family went normal except that we all gave him space. We are not as close as we were before. Everybody seemed content but I miss the times when family relationship was none of our worries.
One night at church, my Pastor shared with us the power of forgiveness. How can God manifest in the lives of people with hurt and anger? I am a leader, I should free myself from the bondage of hurt. That night, I went up to my brother, hugged him and said I’m sorry.
We may not be as close as before but I am happy to finally say sorry to him. Then I said I forgive him. It was a major relief on my part. I just pray that the Lord would continue to touch his heart and heal the wounds that the enemy has sown in our family. I want my family back.
Thank God for His mercy. Thank God for His love. Thank God for humility and acceptance. Lord, may I continue to win the battle against the enemy. Amen.
