The Offender's Heart

     When someone hurts us deeply, it isn't easy to look past the offense and look into the offender's heart. But that is exactly what God does for us, and he wants us to do the same for others. Again, and again, and again. More often than not, we will discover the offender drowning in their own sea of hurt and despair. They, too, need a great measure of love.
     If we ask God to see our offenders the way he views them, we will develop a deep understanding and compassion for them. Our hurts may even pale in comparison to their pain. We see that they are lost and desire someone to help them. We give them kindness and grace, just as God gave us kindness and grace.

As those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a

heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has

a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also

should you (Colossians 3:12-13, NASB).

     Are you having difficulty showing grace and compassion to someone in your life that has hurt you? Ask God to change your heart toward your offender.