What Are We to Do When Others Have Truly Disappointed Us?

The BIBLE SPEAKS to us and gives us clear answers to this dilemma.  The examples God provides to us are astounding.

Recall how at Mount Horeb, Aaron disappointed both God and his brother, Moses, by making a golden idol for the Israelites to worship.  The people sinned grievously, pressing Aaron to create this idol.  Then they threw themselves into an evil worship, forsaking the true God Who had just delivered them from the horrors of Egyptian slavery.

Exodus 32:8-9 (8) They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.  (9) And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiff-necked people:

Of course, this was a terrible departure from God’s clear instructions.  And, God was extremely disappointed and angry.  In fact, He was so angry, He announced that He was going to destroy the people.

Exodus 32:10 10Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

One of the most marvelous lessons from this account of Israel’s sin is how Moses reacted to the matter.

Of course, God inspired and guided Moses.  God made him to be a wise, persevering, and loving leader for Israel.

What did Moses do?  Moses prayed!  He prayed for Aaron even though he realized Aaron knew better than to make the golden calf.  And, he prayed for the ancient Israelites, even though Israel’s behavior was extremely disloyal and wicked.

It takes a special kind of heart to pray for people who disappoint us.  It’s the same kind of heart that Jesus had when He prayed on the last day of His human life.  He prayed in the midst of his suffering.  He prayed for those causing His pain.

Luke 23:34 (a) Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do….

This kind of heart comes only from God.  When we disappoint God, we can access God’s heart toward us through our prayers.  And, God wants us to have the same kind of heart toward others, even those who have greatly disappointed us.  Pray for them!  It’s God’s answer from the Bible.

 

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