When my father-in-law wrote his will, his first-born son (my husband) and I lived in Alaska, so his youngest son was named executor of his estate. We were back in Tacoma, Washington, when my father-in-law died in November 1988. Terms of his will required the real estate he owned be sold.
Even though the property consisted of several lots with one large house and one smaller house, my brother-in-law used a residential realtor rather than a commercial one. No one asked either my husband or me to double check the property lines when the larger house was sold. The house was sold for $34,000 with repairs to the roof and deck. After the sale was final, it was discovered that the property line for this parcel came to within 20 feet of the smaller house. About three years later this property sold for over $100,000. I couldn’t understand this big increase.
Sometime later, I drove by the property and saw that two houses had been built on the property in between the large house and the small one. We had given away two whole building lots — I was furious, but nothing could be done at this late date. Our family had been robbed.
I later prayed and thought I had forgiven both my brother-in-law and the realtor. However, I kept talking about this to friends. Every time a discussion came up about real estate, I mentioned it. Recently, during a study on forgiveness, I realized I had not completely forgiven the realtor or my brother-in-law; if so, I would not have constantly discussed it in anger.
I knew this was blocking me from receiving God’s blessings. I prayed a new prayer of forgiveness and determined to give it to the Lord once and for all. I feel calmer and in obedience to the Lord.
Memory Verse:
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
– Luke 6:37 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Lord, please help me to forgive those who have wronged me. Show me how to let go of my hurt, so that I may better serve You. Bring to my mind people whom I need to forgiven, including…”
Contributing Contributor:
Sherry Jackmen
Leave a Reply