Forgiveness Vs. Accountability
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krazy4catsPrayers: 2Requests: 1
August 16, 2017 at 11:20 pmThis is my third try at posting this. This issue is small compared to what many others are experiencing, and so forgive me if this all sounds trite. I fully understand the principal of forgiveness and that it is important for many reasons. Mostly, if we want to be forgiven we need to forgive. We are to be forgiving again and again. I understand. My dilemma seems to be that in the present, there appears to be no accountability for these same people I need to forgive. I work in a very toxic environment – state government. I go to work and feel like the world is upside down, because doing right, working hard and being good at what you do isn’t valued at this time. Just the opposite, you feel minimized and pushed aside. A manager that sexually harassed their staff more than once in different settings has no consequence because of a person on the outside who gave a nice donation to a high ranking official. That manager actually has the job which was mine years earlier. I accomplished a lot, worked hard, and did my best to treat my staff and others fairly and with consideration. I also believed in accountability. I was moved out when a new governor came in, which happens unfortunately. I kept a job and am thankful for that, yet my heart is still in pain over the unfairness and mistreatment I have experienced due to circumstances, and by the person now sitting behind the desk. I miss the job and the work I took such care to know inside out. You could call it commitment, ownership.
I know the ultimate accountability and judgement is with God / Christ when we pass from this life to the next one. I am having trouble understanding how there is accountability in the present if we forgive but don’t do anything about the wrong-doing in front of us. Where I work it just empowers those same people. Using good to fight evil doesn’t necessarily impact this type of person because they don’t seem to recognize their faults. They would more likely make fun of you and determine you are an easy target. My questions and mental struggles surround the following:
– God says he is our vindicator and judgement is his. That he will restore us … Are these promises only for when we die? Where are the promises for today? How can I know?
– If I am called to forgive, but when no one in authority will use that authority appropriately to act against wrongdoing, then when can a believer take action without going against what Christ and God have said?
I still struggle with the pain of losing the job I liked so much, and the working relationships that came with it. It is difficult running into this person at work, being snubbed and submarined, while knowing what they have done (there is a lot I have left out). The unfairness is difficult and I have prayed not to be harboring wrong feelings. I am not always successful some days.
I have often prayed for God to fix where I work so there is integrity and accountability. I am still waiting on his timing. A part of me really wants to tell someone what is going on, (risky) but I can’t say that there wouldn’t be a small percentage of wanting some payback. I know that my heart is not fully where it needs to be. So maybe God not moving is my fault. God has seen me through a lot … and I thank him for all he has done in my life. I have gone through a lot of loss the last 4 years (husband and mom for starters) and I thank Him for his grace. I just can’t understand work and why God appears to be silent. He is ultimately in control. Have I displeased him? Am I to learn something from this? I ask and still don’t know. I had hoped a few years ago that perhaps I could go back to the job I had, but that doesn’t look possible. As I said at the beginning of this, many things are much worse in life than these circumstances. I need to keep it in perspective and be thankful for what I have. I would appreciate prayers for God to show me what he wants me to do, where do I go from here and for my thinking to be in line with His. Thanks for listening to this long-winded story.
SuesoundyaaPrayers: 3085Requests: 12
August 17, 2017 at 6:15 amDear Sister,
Watch the devil at this time, he will use such circumstances to get a foothold, what you write is not abnormal, I have seen it in my life, King David recognises it (Psalm 73:3). But remember the cross keep your eyes on the love shown for me, you and us. God’s love for you is there.
One answer to your question I can say from my experience, I have seen many injustices and experiences of bulling where I am, reported them with no change. I became the lowest I have ever known with no real point in living (as I saw it). But in this time I saw Jesus every day out my window, I wanted to shout at him where are you, why are you with me and not acting, days I would think really awful bad thoughts about him. I was so angry with him. Until at my lowest I went to an event at church, where I was like God show up or I’m ending it. He did show up and pour out his spirit. Then I realised what he was saying each day (and he is saying this to you):
I am here COME close, I am working in your waiting, but in the waiting use this time in a unique way with me, I want to spend time with you, I love you, but you need to choose to come to me and I will come close with you (James 4:8).
So Sister I say this time is a time where Jesus wants to up his relationship with you to a whole new level to give you experiences of him that you have not known before. As you engage in the word, worship and prayer everything else falls away. The devil wants you focusing on the storm in life, but when you focus on Jesus and come close everything else just falls away.As you know it is written do not avenge, it is mine to repay says the Lord. On the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head (Romans 12:19-20). You are in a waiting and trusting time remember these verses for you:
The evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait on the Lord shall inherit the land (Psalm 37:9) or those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31). Thought the righteous will fall seven times they ill rise again (Proverbs 24:16).I note sexual harassment was mentioned, I am very sorry to hear of that and for me that should be reported if there is anyone that you trust or would listen. Indeed I would say the same for anything similar or unlawful.
I am praying for you and I hope what I write can help a little. With best wishes and much love your brother Andy in Christ.
SheilaTPrayers: 2920Requests: 24
August 17, 2017 at 4:54 pmAmen my brother! Well stated and it is always good when it is stated by someone that has faced the same. I truly have not had terrible employees / managers so I pray that the advise offered to our sister will truly help her.
Sister Sue,
I read your message and felt your frustration. It is sad that evil still continues and when you attempt to report to HR for the most part it falls on deaf ears. But we have a God who hears us. I ask 1st that you make things right with God because he Truly hears us . I know you have asked God to fix your work place and the people. Now ask him to also fix you , I am asking him to fix me too daily because when we become broken and completely yielded to God that’s when truly God hears us.
The enemy is using the circumstances around you to cause a lot of offense- ( making you feel so offended/ putting a lot of pain ) so whatever it is ask the Lord to remove everything in you that he has not planted so that you can finally feel that he truly hears you and truly connected with Him.
Let God fight this battle for you. He sees your heart, he knows all your pain. For now you make sure that you are in right standing with God so that when you are praying against the evil that is happening at your workplace , the enemy will not find any reason to accuse you before our father who is in heaven. The enemy will have no way of stopping your answers based on your prayer requests.
Be Blessed
Yours in Christ
SheilaFhhillPrayers: 26Requests: 4
August 17, 2017 at 9:34 pmHello Sue
Your not long winded to start with.
Accountability seem to be the normal in today’s society.
And it will get worse.
Can l first exaplain!
I work in a church setting.
However the situations in my job has be unbearable with people in my own church.
Harassment in my job has let me see the other side of Christian’s & that being a not healthy relationship with some of them.
Forgiveness has been hard even on a Sunday morning in the breaking of bed.
I’ve tried to get the elders to intervene! But they won’t ?
This past 18 months have been really hard as well.
Because a Dr ran a red light and wrote my and their car off .
Police wher there and covered her back!
My Solicitor didn’t even work on my behalf.
I had to get another solicitor.
And out of all this mess!
I tried to do the right thing
Time and time again.
But accountability to All this never worked.
And l had to look as to why!
Going to scripture however!
As a believer !
And this has been very hard on me to no ends.
I tired to get answers from God about it all.
And there was nothing just silence.
However l tried to understand why there was silence.
And you no what!
We are living in a world that is corrupt and Jesus tells us in the last days it will be the same as in the days of Noah.
Just you hang in sister
Christ sees it all.
But for me l have to keep on forgiving time and time again.
That’s what Jesus would do.
Pray for them and l know it’s hard to do.
But we must pray for them.
Go against the enemy
And it’s hard when your hurt but we must press in and do it.
Only in the day of judgement Will everything be revealed
Am praying for you 🙏🏻
We just need to lean on each other
Press in 🙏🏻
Standing in the gap for you Sue
Love in Christ Name 🙏🏻krazy4catsPrayers: 2Requests: 1
August 18, 2017 at 12:31 amThank you for your comments and prayers. They are very uplifting and offer some good food for thought. Christ said it would not be easy and it isn’t at times! We can’t know the mind of God but someday it will be made clear. May God bless each of you with his peace and give you favor.
Suepilly1356Prayers: 846Requests: 3
August 18, 2017 at 1:32 amHi Sue
I’ve often had the same question about forgiveness. Finally, I brought it up with a brilliant pastor I knew and trusted. He explained to me that the forgiveness is an act of will on our part to free ourselves from the destructive force of anger. Once having forgiven,praying for those who hurt us will bring us peace. Well, the first time I tried that, I never expected it to work….but it did….I felt peace. He also shared that forgiving is required of us as healthy Christians, but we don’t have to forget, nor are we required to be doormats for people who continually mistreat or wrong us. Forgiving is a completely different thing than allowing or excusing ongoing abuse. I am now reading a Christian book on boundaries which is reiterating some of what he shared with me. It is called Boundaries and is a Zondervan book…got mine used from Amazon. Hope this helps.
Lord God,
I ask your hand of protection on Susan wherever she is. Please make your presence known to her when she feels overwhelmed by the injustice of the world and it’s effects on her life and career. Lord, we pray for deliverance for those trapped in the thrall of the things OF this world. Please gift Susan with the discernment to seek out your will for her and to navigate safely around those she encounters who would endanger her spiritually, emotionally or in any other way.
Amen
Your sister in Christ, Jill
The sheep in His arms. #100soundyaaPrayers: 3085Requests: 12
August 18, 2017 at 6:11 amAmen Sister Shelia, Fran and Jill.
Dear Sister Sue
May God protect you and may you see him at work. Keep going will pray for you in the weeks ahead. Amen.krazy4catsPrayers: 2Requests: 1
August 19, 2017 at 12:03 amThank you Jill for recommending the book. I am going to purchase it! I want to be forgiving but get trapped between wanting to be obedient and not wanting to be a door mat. The more I do nothing or turn my head away and tell myself to let it go, I feel like I am enabling the wrongs. I just can’t bring myself to a place where I can ignore what I know to be wrong. yet forgiving and letting God handle it also are important things. I really feel there is spiritual warfare going on where I work. Everything said in the posts has truth to it. There just seems to me that a balance needs to exist.
I really want God to show me where he wants me in this. I feel so strongly about it. God is righteous so he can’t be happy with this! So my mind concludes that being who he is I should expect to see him at work! And then I see no change and it is hard. Thank you all for your prayers- I appreciate it!
SuesoundyaaPrayers: 3085Requests: 12
August 19, 2017 at 2:07 amWill be praying that you are hidden in the shadow of his wings. That he would guide you and you would know with conviction what action to take and when and against any evil in this. God bless
larrymcqPrayers: 4Requests: 0
August 19, 2017 at 5:15 amMan o Man, did reading all of this just help me, I had a hard day at work, a person in charge screamed at me at the top of his lungs, embarrassed me in front of my co-workers, all over nothing, he’s just a screamer who can’t control his emotions. it was 12:30 am I could not sleep because of this, so I went to the prayer line to pray for others and this was the first thing I read. This was from the Lord, and this is what I needed. all the versus and all the advice, thank all of you so much. hurting in buffalo.
soundyaaPrayers: 3085Requests: 12
August 19, 2017 at 5:25 amPraying for you Larry
FhhillPrayers: 26Requests: 4
August 19, 2017 at 8:26 pmLarry
Be blessed
That’s there is always an answer to our situations regardless to what we may think!
If God can speck through a donkey in scripture in the Living Word of the Bible.
He is well able to speck through prayer vis others peoples prayer walls.
Love covers a multitude of sins 😍👍🏻SheilaTPrayers: 2920Requests: 24
August 20, 2017 at 2:52 amLarry ,
May the Lord fight for you! be strong and of good courage. God does not sleep or slumber he sees your pain and any tears you have shed. Sit back and see him deliver you from the hands of your enemies.
pilly1356Prayers: 846Requests: 3
August 20, 2017 at 7:04 amDear Larry
What a testimony that God brought you to this thread and that it blessed you. I’m sorry you had that happen to you and am praying for you, especially that God will cover you in your work environment.
Amen
Jill… the sheep in His arms #100 -
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