‘Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you.” Belteshazzar answered, “My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries!”’ Daniel 4:19 (NIV).
Despite how King Nebuchadnezzar had treated Daniel and his people in the past, Daniel still felt grieved at the fate of the king. Nebuchadnezzar was responsible for the destruction of Daniel’s home and the nation, but Daniel had forgiven the king.
He had chosen to forget his hurts and instead, felt compassion and sadness for Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel wished the meaning of this dream, upon the king’s enemies, rather than the king himself.
When we lay down our hurt and pain towards those who have harmed us, only then can God use us. Very often when we have been hurt by someone, we find it difficult to forget the past and forgive them.
But forgiveness means putting the past behind us. This is what Daniel had done. Daniel loved King Nebuchadnezzar and so God used this man to speak into the king’s life. Forgiveness opens the way for a relationship that is full of healing and promise. This is a blessing to both parties and frees us to receive a blessing from God.
Prayer:
‘Dear Lord, just as you have forgiven me, help me to forgive those who have hurt me. Through the power of your Spirit in me, I can not only forgive the offender, but love them too. Thank you.’
In Jesus’ Mighty Name,
AMEN!
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Final Thoughts:
In God’s strength, we can love those who have wronged us. Can we bravely face our hurt and choose to forgive? God is there to help us when we make this choice. And moreover, God just may use us in an extraordinary way in that person’s life.
Ask God to help us forgive, forget and love the one who has offended us. With God’s help we may be able to serve that person, just as Daniel came to serve the king.
Be Greatly Blessed!
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