Just Get Over It!

I never wanted to be a Baptist. I became one because I read the Bible and Baptist were a people of the Book. I became a Baptist, not because other denominations weren't of the Book, but because Baptist were. I got dunked soon afterward and joined a Baptist church.

Now, Baptist have had a long running denominational controversy. We don't agree on how we should interpret the Bible. We publish editorials and attack each other so that we can show ourselves right and others wrong. The result has not been pretty.

What is in us that makes us want to show others how wrong they are? Why can't we agree to disagree on some things and cooperate on the things we can agree on? Why can't we just get over it?

Getting over it is as hard to do as an organization as it is as an individual. Your sister says something that you don't like so you don't speak to her until she admits she is wrong. Where is the Christian grace in that? Why not just get over it?

The congregation tells a pastor that his sermons are too long. He responds with a campaign of sermons that speak of censoring the word of God. Why not find out if that is the general consensus and take their criticism as constructive? Why not get over it?

A spouse is unfaithful. It is extremely painful. The hurt takes away all trust that you have for your spouse. Yes, here you need an admission of wrong because you don't want it to continue. However, the bottom line is that you will have to decide to get over it or you will never have a healthy relationship with your spouse again. No one can live with constant condemnation. They will never be able to pay back what they have done to you. You cannot hope of them feeling your pain. Eventually, you will have to get over it or you will force them to do something more drastic. They will either leave, commit the sin again or stay and be as good as gone.

Some things you simply have to decide to get over. Not all things are so easy. Some things require you to forgive based on the blood of Jesus. The power in His spilled blood will enable you to forgive. You claim His blood for the basis of your forgiveness. You cannot hold the debt against someone that the blood of Jesus has forgiven. It is the only way to get over it.

Your life will be much better if you will release the debts you are holding against others. I know you are afraid of being hurt again. I know that you believe that holding others' wrongs against them will prevent you from being hurt but the truth is that holding others' wrong assures you will continue to be hurt. There is nothing to prevent you from being hurt again. You must get over it or you will be a slave to the wrong done against you.

Just get over it! You'll be happier if you do.

Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)
²¹ Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" ²² Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.