If They Only Knew

Note: I actually wrote this months ago, but debated about posting it.  I hope it helps someone else.

Tears streamed down her face as she thought of what just happened.

In trying to be a good friend, she got burned. Her heart was breaking because there was nothing left to do. Her help wasn't wanted, so she was no longer going to be there.

Matthew 5:38-40 says, "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well."

In other words, you are supposed to turn the other cheek and forgive them. I don't know about you, but that is hard for me because I have to be willing to be hurt again.

It hurts to be misunderstood. It is a pain of knowing that the person that needs help is within arm's reach yet you can't get to them. They are blinded by voices of doubt and fear. Unfortunately, I can only be pulled so much. As hard as it will be, I have to let this person go their own way. I've walked my walk, and now they have to walk theirs. I will still be praying for this person, but they have made a choice. I'm not someone who will overstep my bounds.

In my haze of confusion, I know that God is still God. Just like the father waiting on the prodigal son, I'll be here waiting when they are ready. Relationships are hard and require comprise, patience, and understanding. If they could only see things from my perspective, it would be different.