“One’s dignity may be assaulted, vandalized and cruelly mocked, but it can never be taken away unless it is surrendered.”
― Michael J. Fox
Meditation: The dynamic of abuser and abused is a painful cycle of never ending insults. The abusers because they can’t stop their sadistic rage. The abused because they don’t know how to stop being in the position of allowing abuse to happen.The pain of that cycle screams loud. So loud that those who engage in it scream a lot.
This cycle of abuse has been broken on the cross. Jesus said: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” What an ending of the cycle of hatred. The one who was spit at, tortured, betrayed and despised finds words to pray for his persecutors.
Prayer: God, when I get hurt, disrespected or taken advantage of, I want to retaliate. That is deeply human. And often I get swiped away with the wave of rage that comes over me when that happens. But I know that my heart will get infected. My soul will become toxic and my actions become more and more reactive. I lose my perspective that comes from being yours. God, I am committed to discipleship. I want to learn from Jesus how to overcome the cycle of violence and say: “God, forgive her, for she does not know what she is doing – and God, help me so I can forgive her as well.” Amen
Luke 23:34: Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
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