Read: Matthew 26: 69-75; John 21:15-19

Think: This Sunday Pastor Ben spoke to us about the longing we have for approval.  Before the fall of man in the Garden of Eden a feeling of belonging was available through living in the actual day to day presence of God. We know that all changed with original sin…  So now we often seek belonging and acceptance in relationships with others instead of with God. One of the most difficult things that can happen as a result is that, they, being human, often let us down. WE expect the relationships to go along certain lines and whether by our unachievable expectations or their human failings, we are disappointed and hurt. Which can cause us to decide we will not let ourselves be hurt again.

For many years I was hurt and carried that hurt like a shield. Oh I was very happy to be there for people when I was needed, but when I needed help I said nothing and struggled simply pretending I was fine. While this stopped me from being hurt again it also kept me isolated from the blessings God had for my life. At the same time it prevented others from being blessed by helping me. Only when I opened myself up to others who in grace accepted me – even in all my weakness - was I able to grow. We all have to step out from behind our hurt and pain before we can grow into grace and acceptance. When we do, we learn to trust more and love more freely.

I keep thinking of the Apostle Peter, he felt the pain when Jesus predicted he would deny Him. I’m sure he felt so much worse when it turned out to be true. How painful it must have been for Peter to hear the person he wanted to impress most predict his failing. But as you read the scripture passage for today, we see not only how to put aside our hurts but how to get over the pain others have inflicted upon us. Jesus gives Peter that chance to declare his love again three times and then accepts his love and friendship without holding onto the pain.

Do: Is there a hurt that you are hiding behind to protect yourself that actually just keeps people and God away?  Do we need to learn to grow past that pain or move past pain we have caused others? With God’s help we can forgive ourselves so we can grow. Reach out to someone you can trust and open up to them today…

Pray: Lord, thank you that nothing we suffer or cause is too big for you to fix. Thank you, that you want us to be free from hurt and pain and grow in our relationships with you and others. Please show us the first step to take and help us learn to forgive and trust again. Amen.

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.