Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Bible in a Year: Psalms 24-26 | Acts 11

There’s a picture on my wall of a relationship that was once strong. It’s an inescapable hurt.

We’re supposed to pray for our enemies, but honestly, I’ve never looked at anyone as my enemy. Sure, there have been those whom I didn’t like or care for, but the feeling was, and still is, more unfortunate than hate. I can’t help but think about the public feud between hip-hop artists, Nas and Jay-Z. Through separate songs and later collaborations, they told the story of two brothers who never imagined a time when the actions of life could end their bond.

I probably keep the picture on my wall because I never want unfortunate feelings to fester into hate. Admittedly, I have come close to reaching that point, but that one picture reminds me of the person whom I loved enough to make the best man at my wedding. Although that relationship will never be the same again in this life, I pray that the past gets erased in the eternal.

Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.

How much hate can a person hold in their heart? A lot, if it goes unchecked. You see it on the news, in social media, and in your personal surroundings. Old hurts build into agitation, scratching at the walls of your heart until they spew out in venomous words and harsh actions. You run out of patience. You keep score because winning matters more than living.

Love keeps you from allowing agitation to scratch away your mental stability. It doesn’t mean you forget, ignore, or cover up the wrongdoing. You’re not giving power to the abuser. Instead, love offers a way to protect the past relationship. Love shows mercy and grace, which is something God does for the undeserved each day, and that includes you.

Are you tired of looking for reasons to fight?

If you’re here today, then something inside of you believes that you are worth more than your mistakes. God doesn’t hold you at the single worst moments in your life. No, he loves you through them, allowing you to grow.

The compassion you show your offender lets you move forward and offers them a chance to see how love should be. It’s not easy, so start small.

Perhaps it’s time to rest your unrest … to forgive so you can live again.

Questions:
Do you find it difficult to let go of hate? Can you recall a time when someone chose to show you love instead of matching your hate?

Next Steps:
Seek peace and forgiveness by focusing on Scripture (1 Peter 4:8 and Ephesians 4:32) and praying about the situation. If you can, talk to the person about the hurt you’re feeling or vice versa. Bring in an unbiased mediator if possible.

Are you ready to finally find freedom from the hurt, habit, or hang-up you’re struggling with? Join us for Celebrate Recovery at the Oregon, West Toledo, or Whitehouse campuses. Search for recovery Groups for more details, times, and locations.

Prayer:
God, I want to stop keeping score and start healing my heart. I want to love as you have loved me. Please teach me to use my words as a gift rather than a sword. Help me replace bitterness with understanding and reflection. I always want you to guide my head and hold my heart. Amen.

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a Findlay attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.