Forgive To Be Forgiven
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.15 But if you do not forgive others [nurturing your hurt and anger with the result that it interferes with your relationship with God], then your Father will not forgive your trespasses. – Matthew (6:14-15 AMP)
This morning I had the opportunity to be in the presence of someone that had done a grave injustice to someone dear to me.
At the time of the offense, it felt as if the wrong had been done to me personally, but it hadn’t.
Still, I found myself nurturing a grudge and willingly wanting to imprison the individual, never letting them off the hook for what they did…. (to someone else, mind you).
But I realized that my unwillingness to “Let Go” hurt me far more than it hurt them; and even worse, it was a detriment to my relationship with God.
So I chose to forgive; and this morning I got a chance to see what forgiveness really looks like…
Although my mind could recall the injustice, I made a choice, by the grace of God, to not hold that wrongdoing against the person, and act as if the offense never happened, showing kindness throughout.
Afterwards, I realized that it wasn’t as bad as I thought it mightve been, and also, that, my relationship with my Father was far more important to me than nursing a grudge for a past injustice.
To be forgiven means not only having peace with God, but also having the freedom to love without restriction, and entrust everything into the Father’s care… Good or bad.
Who, or what, have you not forgiven?
Nothing in this life is worth jeopardizing Fellowship with your Heavenly Father…
Let it Go and put it in His Hands…
Father, as you search us and know our hearts, we pray that you will show us any area(s) of unforgiveness in our hearts and give us the strength to release the hurt and let it go, by faith.
In Jesus Name
May His Peace Be Yours In Christ,
Pastor Lowe