Pastor's Ponderings, February 22, 2016

Pray For Those Who Have Hurt Us

The pain of losing a spouse is very great.  Chris Woolston wrote in HealthDay, “As noted by the National Mental Health Association, surviving husbands or wives lose more than a beloved partner -- they lose a way of life.”  On Wednesday, February 10, 2016, Ingrid Williams, the wife of Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Monty Williams, died from a car crash that killed her and the woman that crashed into her.  Yet Monty Williams said that he held no ill will toward the lady.  “Let us not forget that there were two people in this situation, and that family needs prayers as well.”

Thank God that He has blessed Mr. Williams to accept the scripture concerning those who have hurt him.  We are to love our enemies, be good to those who hate us, pray for those who despitefully use and persecute us (Matthew 5:44).  He went on to say that he knew his wife was in heaven. We can follow his example because our God gives us the strength (Philippians 4:13) not to hate but to love, not to be hopeless but to be hopeful, not to give into despair but to know that if God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31).

Let us remember Mr. William’s attitude and know, in spite of the pain of any loss in our lives, that all things are working together for our good for those who love God (Romans 8:28).  He gives us the strength to carry on.

Matthew 5:44
King James Version (KJV)

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Philippians 4:13
New International Version (NIV)

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Romans 8:31
New International Version (NIV)

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:28
New International Version (NIV)

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.