A Broken Heart?

A Broken Heart?

The Lord hates what evil people do, but he loves those who do what is right.

Proverbs 15:9

Perhaps the wound is old. A parent abused you. A teacher slighted you. A mate betrayed you. . . . And you are angry.

Or perhaps the wound is fresh. The friend who owes you money just drove by in a new car. The boss who hired you with promises of promotions has forgotten how to pronounce your name. . . . And you are hurt.

Part of you is broken, and the other part is bitter. Part of you wants to cry, and part of you wants to fight. . . . There is a fire burning in your heart. It’s the fire of anger. . . .

And you are left with a decision. “Do I put the fire out or heat it up? Do I get over it or get even? Do I release it or resent it? Do I let my hurts heal, or do I let hurt turn into hate?” . . .

Unfaithfulness is wrong. Revenge is bad. But the worst part of all is that, without forgiveness, bitterness is all that is left.

The Applause of Heaven