18 February 2025_IGNITE YOUR DAY : Love Like You Have Never Been Hurt

IGNITE YOUR DAY : Love Like You Have Never Been Hurt

How is that possible? How can we love like we have never been hurt? Should we pretend the pain never happened?

Our key text, Ephesians 4:31-32, says:

"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."

This passage reminds us that unforgiveness is like a prison—one that binds our minds and souls. It keeps us shackled in pain and resentment.

Have you ever been deeply hurt by someone you trusted? Someone you confided in, someone who knew your heart, your thoughts, your dreams—only for them to betray you?

Many people remain trapped in bitterness and resentment because of such experiences. When the one you trusted the most becomes the source of your deepest wounds, it feels impossible to move forward.

But Jesus calls us to a radical kind of love—a love that forgives freely.

The Radical Love of Jesus Jesus knows our struggles with forgiveness. His teachings often leave us amazed, wondering, "Who is capable of this?"

He said, "If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other also." "If someone forces you to walk one mile, go two." "Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you." Jesus calls us to bear with those who hurt us. He calls us to be patient, to be kind—even when it feels unjust.

This is not easy. In fact, it goes against everything we feel. But forgiveness is not about fairness; it’s about freedom.

Forgiveness: A Healing Treatment Think of forgiveness as treatment for your soul—a healing therapy.

When you refuse to forgive, you are harming yourself—your mind, body, and spirit.

Unforgiveness breeds stress, anxiety, and bitterness. Forgiveness releases you from the burden of pain. It is not about excusing the wrong, but about freeing yourself from its control. Jesus himself demonstrated this radical love. As He hung on the cross, falsely accused, beaten, and humiliated, He still prayed:

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

They knew they were crucifying Him. But Jesus saw beyond their actions—He saw their spiritual blindness and chose to forgive.

The Basis of Our Forgiveness We forgive not because others deserve it, but because we have been forgiven first.

Ephesians 4:32 reminds us: "Forgive one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."

We were undeserving of God’s grace, yet He forgave us. He continues to cover us, to extend His mercy—even when we fail Him.

Forgiveness is not about justifying the wrong. It is about breaking the chains of past hurts. It is about choosing healing over bitterness. This is the lesson Joseph understood in Genesis 50:20: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good."

Final Thoughts What does forgiveness do? ✔ It breaks the chains of past hurts. ✔ It frees us from the weight of resentment. ✔ It restores our hearts to love again.

Today, choose love. Choose to forgive. Not because it’s easy. Not because they deserve it. But because you deserve freedom.

May God give us the grace to love like we have never been hurt.

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Barbra Sehlule 45:28 “Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭50‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭

Barbra Sehlule 47:31 “Then