Return to Jehovah

PART THREE

Hurt Feelings-When We Have "Cause for Complaint"

"A sister in my congregation wrongly accused me of stealing money from her.  Others in the congregation learned of it and began to take sides. Eventually, the sister told me that she had received some new information that exonerated me. Although she apologized, I felt in my heart that I could never forgive her for what I had gone through." -Linda.

Can you relate to Linda, who was deeply hurt by the actions of a fellow believer?  Sadly, some have been so disturbed by the conduct of others that it has affected their spiritual routine.  Has that been true in your case?

Can Anyone "Separate Us  From God's Love"?

Admittedly, we may find it very difficult to forgive a fellow believer who has hurt us. After all, Christians should love one another.  (John 13:34, 35) If we have been wronged by a fellow believer, the disappointment and pain can be devastating.-Psalm 55:12. 

Of course, the Bible acknowledges that there are times when Christian give one another "cause for complaint."  (Colossians 3:13) Even so, when that happens to us personally, we may find it to be quite a challenge to deal with. Is there anything that can help us? Consider three Scriptural principles:  

Our heavenly Father is aware of everything.  Jehovah observes all that happens including any injustice we face and the suffering it causes.  (Hebrews 4:13) Moreover, Jehovah feels for us when we suffer. (Isaiah 63:9) He never allows "tribulation or distress" or anything else-not even another servant of his-"to separate us from God's love."  (Romans 8:35, 38, 39) Are we not moved to respond in like manner, not allowing anything or anyone to come between us and Jehovah? 

Next time: Conclusion of Hurt Feelings-When We Have "Cause for Complaint"

From the jw.org publications