Cancer is a horrific thing. I have heard it described at times as the size of a nickel but left untreated can spread to the entire body.
Paul had been left in custody for over two years. When Festus succeeded Felix the accusations against Paul started up again.
“Then the high priest and the chief men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they petitioned him, asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem— while they lay in ambush along the road to kill him.” Acts 25:2-3
TWO YEARS had passed and the Jewish leaders still planned to murder Paul in an ambush. This was the same plan they originally had. They didn’t care about a trial, they just wanted Paul dead. Hatred was in their heart and it dominated their entire being.
The same with us, letting hatred for anyone (no matter the offense) stay in our hearts will spread. Hatred has a way of destroying more than just one relationship, it spreads to other areas of our lives. Jesus told the disciples, “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”” Luke 17:3-4
Do you know how the disciples responded to the question? “And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”” Luke 17:5
Even the disciples knew forgiveness is difficult at times. So, they asked for faith. Today I strongly encourage you to extend forgiveness where hatred may be harbored in you. Let it go before it takes over other parts of your life. Ask God for the faith to do it then follow through. Forgiveness is the only medicine for the disease of hatred. Use it!
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.