Release Your Hurt to Christ

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message. At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.” (2 Timothy 4:14-16)
      Passage: 1 Peter 2:18-25

       A little boy told his mother that another boy had hit him at school. She asked, “Did you hit him back?” The boy replied, “No, I hit him head.” Retaliation is a natural reaction to a hurt that you feel from someone, whether he/she did it intentionally or unintentionally. The Apostle Paul shared with Timothy how he had been intentionally hurt by a many named Alexander and how he had also been let down when some who were close to him, left him at a crucial time when he first imprisoned in Rome.
     Paul shared his hurt with Timothy, but he had already released his hurt to Christ. He didn’t speak of personal retaliation toward Alexander. He put that judgement in God’s hands. He didn’t lash out at those who had deserted him. I believe he understood their human fear and he didn’t want it held against them. Releasing your hurt to Christ is one way to exercise the distinct patience of the Holy Spirit within you. Jesus did the same and you can to.       

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)