Have you ever regretted saying something spiteful to someone you loved in the spur of the moment? Upon looking back, you wished you could take it all back because you felt bad or guilty about it.  Or you realized you had caused more harm to the situation or yourself by speaking without thinking.

In our Christian walk, we strive to become more like Jesus. You must be thinking, “Why should I? Is that even possible?” During His time on earth, Jesus faced the same temptations as we do now. He experienced every emotion (rage, insincerity, betrayal, feelings of disrespect and misunderstanding etc.) we have and will feel in our lifetime.  Being born a man, Jesus had to muster self-control and perfect responses to meet the demands of every challenge and situation thrown at Him.

Amidst the challenges, hardships and evil intentions surrounding Him, He could still serve and respond towards others with love and kindness. More importantly, because of His wisdom in managing every situation He encountered, He never had to regret any of His actions. He turned all bad situations into His favour! Now that is a pretty fantastic thing to do.

There have been so many instances in my life where I would feel bitter because someone has done or said something to hurt me. Other times, I would regret saying certain things out of anger and hurt, especially to my parents. Following this, I would feel condemnation and regret because I would have hurt someone I love or ruin a much-cherished friendship in the process. Worst of all, a concoction of deep-seated hurt, resentment and regret will start eating up my heart slowly but surely.

Often, I would find myself sitting alone, waving my angry puny fist at the Lord, and asking, “How can you expect me to love others when they have been so nasty to me? Is it too difficult to become like Jesus? How am I supposed to respond with loving kindness even when my heart is screaming at me to do otherwise?”

Looking back at all those hurtful situations, wouldn’t it be nice if you knew how to manage a contentious situation better? The good news is that we can, by reading the Word and through the Holy Spirit’s empowerment who guides us and leads us.

The Bible provides a great way of learning how Jesus manages every temptation, conflict and situation he faced so that we can apply it in our lives too. The Holy Spirit, in turn, helps us to apply this knowledge to the right situations. In Luke 3:22, it was recorded that Jesus could only perform miracles when He was anointed with the Holy Spirit. All we need is to constantly hear the Word of God, remind ourselves that Jesus does love us and let the Holy Spirit residing in us take control.

You might be thinking, “That’s easier said than done” Well, you be the judge on that and read on. Are you ready? Begin by reflecting on the following question:

Reflect now – How Can I Start Afresh?

First of all, let us start with a clean slate and wipe away all regrets today. Say this aloud to yourself.

Dear Lord, I thank you that you have forgiven me for all the resentment I have felt for others and the spiteful things I have said in my moment of anger. Your blood washes over me with loving kindness. I know that you have forgiven me. You are not angry with me, and I thank you that you still love me.

For with God, nothing is impossible, and I know that all things (good and bad) work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.

In Jesus Name, I pray, Amen.

Amen means, “so be it” and “It is done”. So believe what you have just declared and that you have been given a fresh start!

Stay tuned for part two of the article which will be released on 24th June.