Read: 1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81, Acts 26:1-32, Psalm 6:1-10, Proverbs 18:20-21
Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here
in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.”
Acts 26:29
Relate: May the fleas of a thousand camels infest their armpits. This has always been my favorite curse. More than one time when I have felt that I have been slighted or treated poorly, these words have escaped my lips. It is a way to remind myself that I am offended, disgruntled, or upset. But also that I am not taking it too seriously. The person probably didn’t realize the hurt they were causing. Or perhaps they did, but in the grand matter of things, it matters not. I wish somehow they would feel the offense that has been done. But have you ever imagined what it would be like for the fleas of a thousand camels to infest a person’s armpits? Would this be like getting a papercut on the soft spot between your fingers, on every single finger at once? Would this be like having that painful tingly feeling when your leg falls asleep, in both legs, halfway through a long walk where you would have to endure it for miles? Would it be like getting the runs, and every time you think you are done and ready to exit the bathroom, that feeling hits you all over again… for hours? What is your favorite curse?
React: Paul had been poorly treated and unjustly handled. The authorities locked him up in prison and the crowd wanted to cancel him because of a few words he had said. If ever anyone had gotten a raw deal, it was Paul. Yet Paul does not wish pain on his persecutors. Even while unjustly locked up he considers himself incredibly blessed because of Christ. And even in the hardest of times, he wishes only the blessings and none of his curse to be bestowed on those for whom he is being made a spectacle. How well would I handle his situation? How poorly have I handled such smaller things?
Respond:
Dear God,
Help me to understand at a much deeper level the power in my words. It is so easy, especially in the little things, to wish hurt on those who have hurt me. Sometimes, often times, they don’t even realize the way their actions or words have brought offense. But give me thicker skin. Give me a more gracious mindset quick to forgive and forget. In things both big and small, let me wish only good on those You love.
Amen
THE RIVER WALK 
To forgive those that do you harm and not to wish bad things for them is not easy but yes doable. With everything going on with the USA Government it’s difficult not to wish bad thoughts however it can be done. God has a greater plan, so I won’t waste energy or negative thoughts that serve no purpose but self satisfaction. Pretty painful being infested with flees. Your words are meaningful for many!
Thank you
Father, grant us the spirit of your son who prayed for those who drove nails into his hands and feet “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”. In ourselves, such forgiveness, is not possible, in Christ, we have his spirit and his mind, and he will pray and forgive and love through us. “Abide in Me for apart from me you can do no thing”, only in Christ can we bear his fruit.
Amen to this – remembering what we have in Christ is foundational to not letting slights get us down. Forgiveness is so simple, and yet so difficult. Sometimes it’s a simple “letting them off the hook” and you move on; other times it’s a daily resolve that continues for days or weeks before you actually FEEL like you’ve actually let go. But the key is grace, remembering how much I have been forgiven of and extending that. There are always reasons why people act out of line, and while it may not excuse their actions, understanding that goes a long way to being able to develop that “gracious mindset quick to forgive.”