These three thoughts are in order on purpose…

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Martin Luther King Jr

How true this is! When a person waits “For the right time” to say something on your behalf they will almost certainly not speak on your behalf. The public silence of behind the scenes supporters sometimes hurts more than those who publicly attack you. Those who stand with you… take hits with you… suffer with you… prove their love for you are the ones you appreciate! Enemies who speak against you… ehh… God handles those. It’s the ones who say they’re for you and love you, but keep silent that hurt deepest. By comparison consider…

Heb 10:32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.

Heb 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.

“Love is forgiving someone even though you still remember it.” Danny Aiken

The best way I think about this is in relation to my wife and children. There is NOTHING they can do that will keep me from loving them. When they say or do something to hurt or offended me, I don’t always tell them but choose to forgive them whether or not they ask. There are people I have forgiven several to many times over the years. Sometimes years after an event they will come to mind and I’ve found it’s better to pray FOR them rather than allow anger or bitterness to take root. People WILL fail you. You WILL fail others. Forgive! Satan cannot defeat forgiving love!

“The ultimate way to handle the troubles of life is not just through prayers of petition, but through worship.” Tim Keller

This is learned by experience… in the depths of heartache and distress. Yes… prayer is important along with reading scripture. But without worship they are (dare I write it?) incomplete. I have found that praying… reading Scripture… AND worshipping God is when I am most encouraged. When you struggle, read… pray… AND worship God. Remember David in 2 Sam 12:18-23.