Jen’s Gem: Nothing is impossible with (or for) God.

This week, my work email and mobile payments application were hacked. Imposters were using my information to wreak havoc. Because of their sinister ways, I spent a fair amount of time cleaning up their messes.

I have to say that these events left me a bit shaken. It’s very unsettling when you experience someone violating a space you thought was safe. I’m hopeful that the security measures I put into place will prevent this “boundary crossing” from happening again.

Boundaries. A popular word these days. I’ve heard many stories from people who are seeking to establish these veritable lines in the sand. Perhaps they never existed or maybe they got softened over time and have to be redrawn. Either way, to protect our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, it must be done.

The Bible speaks a lot about guarding our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) and minds (Romans 12:2) against the ways of the world. It tells us to put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20) so that we can walk in truth and light and fight these fiery darts. When people won’t receive our message of love and forgiveness, we are to shake the dust from our feet and move on (Matthew 10:14). It’s ok to love from a distance.

It’s easy to become bitter and vengeful when people hurt us. We want them to feel as bad as we do. As much as I would like to jump through my computer and give the hackers a piece of my mind, I’m unable to. The fact is – it may not even be a human who caused this mess, but a bot that’s programmed to “roam the earth seeking whom it can destroy.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Likewise, when our friends and loved ones hurt us, it is natural to want to retaliate. Yet, we know this is not the answer. Our flesh may want to convince us that it is, but Jesus’ commandment to love our enemies says differently. (Matthew 5:43)

Yet, how do we do this? How do we love our enemies? How do we love those who hurt us or our children? How do we forgive them for their wrongdoing? Does forgiveness imply that their actions are acceptable?

I’m here to tell you that it absolutely does not! I’m also here to tell you that our Father in heaven does not like it when others hurt us. He is a very, very protective Father and He will ensure that justice prevails. It may not be in the timing or way that we want, but it will occur.

So what are we to do while we wait for God? We do what seems impossible. We pray for the other person. Yeah…I know. Believe me, I know. It’s impossible. You’re right. It is. If you try to do it yourself. But when you ask God to help you, nothing is impossible with or for Him. (Luke 1:37)

Let’s unpack this a bit. Whatever it is that we are going through, whatever hurt or malice has been inflicted on us does not compare to what Jesus went through on the cross. An innocent man put to death in the most horrific way by people who simply hated Him.

He committed no crime. He was completely innocent. He looked at all of His accusers and as He drew His last breath asked His Father in heaven to forgive them. Why? Because “they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

What’s even crazier? The very people who put Jesus to death, the ones who hated Him, hurt Him, were the very people He was dying for! As hard as it is for us to comprehend, Jesus loved them as much as He loved those who did believe in Him and He still does.

I know. It’s a tough pill to swallow. God loves bad people? God loves people who are mean to us? Yep. He does. Does He love what they are doing? Emphatically no! Does He want them to do a complete 180 and walk in love and kindness? Of course! This is why He sent His Son.

Jesus loved the murderers (Paul), the greedy tax collectors (Matthew), and even those who betrayed him (Judas). He knew the source of their poor choices. He knew the root cause. He knew who was the culprit. It was Satan who only wants one thing: to see us devoured.

John 10:10 tell us that the devil’s primary purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. He’s done it since day one in the Garden of Eden and he continues to do it today. Just open up your newsfeed if you don’t believe me.

Here’s the good news though. (Yes, there is good news!) God is bigger, better, faster, and stronger than any devil in hell. He’s more powerful than anything Satan can throw against us. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He will work all things out for our good. (Romans 8:28)

Been hacked? Been hurt? The antidote is to extend love and forgiveness. Because, don’t we want God to do the same for us?

We sure do.