Forgiveness is a tough thing. It’s always been something that I have struggled with. The questions I often find myself asking are, “Why should I forgive this person if they are the one who hurt me?” “Shouldn’t they be trying to make things right with me?” In reflecting on these questions, the Lord hit me big time.
Two of my squad-mates and I got the pleasure of leading a Beauty for Ashes teaching for a group of ladies. During this time, the Lord put on Amanda’s heart to do a foot washing. I was reluctant because I didn’t think I had anything to give to these ladies (silly, I know). We began explaining the reason why we wanted to do a foot washing and what it represented, describing how Jesus humbled himself to serve one who would betray Him. Jesus is someone who didn’t need to do that at all, but He put his pride aside, humbled himself, and served, even those who wronged him.
As we were speaking, one of the ladies raised their hand and asked if she could wash the feet of someone she needed to forgive in the group (woah). We proceeded to wash the feet of the ladies, and we got to pray over each one. As we finished washing their feet, we spent some more time just praying over the ladies. When I looked up, there was the lady who had asked to wash the feet of someone she needed to forgive; she was doing just that. She was washing the feet of someone who hurt had her. Both ladies were crying at this point and praying for one another. Not even 5 minutes later, another lady got up to wash the feet of someone in the group she needed to forgive. And it went on and on.
Man, this display of forgiveness and humility hit me HARD. I was thinking about people in my life that have really hurt me, and I asked myself the question, “Would I wash their feet?” I don’t think I can answer that. It’s tough, but it truly made me wonder if my heart is in the right place when it comes to forgiveness. I think it’s about choosing to love. Choosing to see that person the way that the Lord sees them. Choosing to forgive because the Lord forgave me. He continues to choose us, even when we wrong Him over and over again. I thank God for the lesson He taught me through that woman’s act of selflessness. Lord, let me have the courage to be one who chooses to wash feet, even of the ones who have hurt me.
Wowowowow. Praise God. Soooo good.
Addi, this is so good and powerful!!!!
powerful stuff, addi! a lesson we all need reminding of. sure love you!
Addi! This is so powerful! I love how God uses the moments where we are teaching others to teach us as well. Thankful for Jesus and the example he set before us… and for the freedom that we get to experience when we live like Him.
Proud of you Addi! Beauty for Ashes went so so well and I love that in a time of you pouring out you were able to allow the Lord to speak to you through it. Keep seeking Him and where He is leading you!! I’m so excited for all he’s doing in and through you