Would someone we trust, even a Christian, ever do something to disappoint or hurt us? Yes, the enemy can use any of us if we let our defenses down...if we do not ground ourselves in God's Word and become sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, especially concerning worldly problems like finances, illness, or relationships.

Would you handle it like a friend of mine did recently when a trusted Christian did him an injustice?

His first reaction was to become angry - almost ready to get even - a natural response to the hurt of being cheated. Fortunately, he stifled that natural reaction and prayed instead.

The Spirit led him to read Jesus' teaching concerning an inflicted wrong. "But I say: Don't resist violence! If you are slapped on one cheek, turn the other too...But I say: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you. In that way you will be acting as true sons of your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:39, 44, 45 TLB).

So that God can be free to work the situation out, the Lord's Word makes it clear that a Christian's reaction must be forgiveness. Through God's grace, my friend was able to forgive. The Lord honored his obedience to His Word and made up two-fold the amount of which he'd been cheated by the misguided man.

Is there someone tonight you need to forgive? Turn your cheek, and let God work it for your good as you are obedient to His Word.

Dear Jesus, I need to forgive _________________________________ tonight, so I can sleep peacefully and release Your power that the situation might be healed. Grant me a forgiving heart, that I may never separate myself from Your love through unforgiveness. In Jesus' Name, Amen.