When something happens in our life, whether good or bad, we always have an emotional response. It’s one of the most unavoidable aspects of being human, and often the aspect that causes us the most trouble. God advises us to act with wisdom, and not out of our emotions. I don’t know about you, but for me, this is much easier said than done.

When I face an emotional battle I don’t understand, my instinct is typically to run and/or hide from it. It has taken me a lot of years to learn the futility of this path. When I am hurt by someone, I have found it easier to turn my back on them, while building the walls around my heart up higher and stronger. I have always felt it was impossible for me to trust someone who has hurt me, but recently I have realized that anything is possible with God. I have also realized that my reaction to being hurt is my choice, and I have found peace in choosing to follow God’s direction.

When Jesus was asked how many times we are expected to forgive a person who has wronged us in some way, the answer was seventy times seven. He was basically saying that we are to forgive them every offense, no matter how many that turns out to be. Our emotions tell us that a person who hurts us or breaks our trust can no longer be trusted, and no longer deserves our trust at all. Wisdom will often tell us a different story. Human beings are fallible creatures, and no matter how good or well intended we may be, we will always make mistakes. The question we must ask ourselves is whether we are turning our backs because of fear, anger, jealousy, or some other emotion spurred into growth by the enemy, or are we turning our backs because wisdom tells us we must. Seventy times seven… “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

No matter how great the chasm between you and those you love, it is never too great to be bridged. God has repaired some of the most damaged relationships in history. He sent His only begotten son to bridge the gap between Himself and the people He created. There has been no greater repair job known to mankind. Don’t let your emotions tear apart the blessings God is putting into your life. Don’t be afraid to love, and to let yourself BE loved. It is the reason we were created. God IS love and He lives inside each one of us. Every time we make the choice of love and forgiveness over distance and pain, we are choosing God.

What will you choose today?