16 At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them. (2 Timothy 4:16 CSB)

While we may not stand accused, we may experience times when we are deserted.

It is easy to feel hurt and angry but this is not what we are called to do. No, we are to forgive those who desert us. To pray that it not be counted against them. To stand in through our prayers as the friend we want to be, not the friend they are showing to be.

The human heart can be a fragile and and easily bruised thing. It is through the Spirit’s indwelling we are given the strength and grace to forgive others who have deserted us. Even in times of greatest need. Our forgiveness does the fragile heart more good than we can imagine.