#107of365 #FaithBites #FaithJourney

Today’s lesson is on the after effects of theft and how we can deal with it.

Theft comes in many forms. Physical as in a stolen item. Security as in someone breaking into your home. Emotion as in someone breaking your heart or your innocence. Spiritual when your belief system is torn down by false profits. All of these hurt the soul as many hurt the pocketbook.

Last night, after a long day at work, I came home as I always do. I grabbed my lunchbox from the car, saw my laptop in the car, decided I didn’t need it but needed to lock the car, grabbed my jacket and came in the house. I had a very restless sleep that night. Maybe it was a sign, who knows. When I woke up, I followed my normal routine. Get showered, get dressed, make the lunches, get the kids ready for school, go out to the car to warm it up and get my coffee mug. Because we all need a warm cup of Joe in the morning. When I went to my car, my laptop bag was gone. This was my work laptop, my cables, adapters, my documents from the meeting the night before, all gone. I’m not sure what else was missing, but it looked like a grab and run.

I was angry. Not at the thieves but myself. How could I have been so stupid to not bring in my computer? How was I such an idiot to not lock the door to the car when I told myself I needed to lock it. What was wrong with me? Now I was out of my work computer and everything I worked on. I was devastated. I knew instantly that the device could be replaced. That most if not all of my documents and work are in the cloud. But it didn’t and doesn’t take away the feeling of loss and vulnerability. Someone went through my car. Someone stole something that belonged to me. The computer was the minor part, my security and safety were more paramount.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” – Matthew 18:21-22

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” – John 13:34-35

I know that God will provide for me. I know that I will have a new computer in a few days. I know that I won’t be punished and will be more diligent in locking my car. I know that I have a heart full of forgiveness. That no matter how many times someone messes me over, if they repent, I will forgive them as that is Jesus’ way. It is hard though, knowing that someone thinks that little of me that they will take my stuff. That they will put that injury on me. The saddest part, is they don’t know me. They don’t see me or any of us as brothers and sisters.

We can’t change that. We can change how we look at others. We can treat them as brothers and sisters. It won’t take away the pain but it can replace it over time. I forgive them. Now I need to reflect and move on.

All thefts aren’t as simple as a computer. They aren’t as easy as just saying ‘I forgive you’. Some theft is so deep it shakes us to our core. I believe that through Christ and living Christ-like, we can reverse that theft. We can find out who we are again. We can continue on our journey. We don’t forget the theft, but forgive it, and continue growing stronger in his teaching.

Are you willing to forgive a theft against you? Are you willing to see everyone as a brother or sister?

I am willing (with the help of God)