Forgive them

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32 ESV

Ilana Galatan, 48, a runner and self-described bullying survivor, hated gym as a child saying, "I could not throw or catch a ball well. My classmates repeatedly bullied me in gym class, yelling at me for missing balls or not running quickly enough." For that reason, she says, she didn't start an exercise routine until the age of 42 when she was told she was prediabetic and close to being overweight. Since then though, Ilana has completed five marathons, including a sub-4 hour one that she's especially proud of. No longer prediabetic, she plans to run more 26.2 mile races but says being fit is what's most important to her.

You know, although the Bible doesn't specifically mention bullying, it does tell us that we are to be "kind to one another”- something a bully doesn’t do. But even though a bully’s actions may have hurt us deeply (sometimes for years afterward), we are called to be “forgiving” of them just as Jesus forgave us. And while this may be hard, you can be sure it will be worth it. You see forgiveness not only sets us free from the pain, but allows us to move past it to be those people God designed us to be.

And you know what else forgiveness does? It allows others (including the bullies) to see Christ in us. Knowing that most people hurt others because they themselves have been hurt, can you imagine how showing kindness to those who have brought us grief could change their lives? Oh my friend, there is power in forgiveness. Won't you give it today?

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit to dwell inside us which gives us all the power we need to forgive those who may have wronged us in the worst ways. Help us to be an example of your kindness to those hurting people who hurt others in response to the way they have been treated. May we, by showing your love, tenderheartedness and forgiveness help to break the cycle of hurt. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Forgiveness - Matthew West
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1Lu5udXEZI

http://womensrunning.competitor.com/2017/11/real-runners/gym-bullying-sub-4-marathoner_82821