Forgiveness is a simple word. However, it easier said than done. Many people walk around in life hurting, rejected, bitter, and full of anger and un-forgiveness. Did you know that holding these negative feelings in your heart can actually end up hurting your life, and keep you from entering into the full blessings that the Lord has purposed for you?
God loves you and desires for you to receive all that He has intended for your life. This starts with forgiveness. First, you must come to Jesus and ask to be forgiven of your sins. Then, you must be willing to forgive yourself for your failures and shortcomings. And last, but not least, you must be willing to forgive those that have wronged you, hurt you, and mistreated you in your life. This does not mean that you need to enter back into a friendship or relationship with these individuals. It simply means that you are willing to forgive them, and are willing to let go of the past, allowing God to heal your heart and prepare you for all that He has in store for your life. This is not an easy thing to do, but it is possible. The Bible says; “With God all things are possible…”
The first step to forgiveness is coming to the cross and laying down your burdens of pain, hurt, and anger. When taking the steps to forgive, you may not feel like you’ve forgiven. You may still feel angry and bitter. But by saying the words out loud; “I choose to forgive” you are taking a big step of faith. You must be open to forgive in order to move on from your past and into your future.
In Matthew 18:21-23 NIV it says; Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” The point that Jesus was making was that no matter how many times a person may wrong you, it is essential that you forgive. Just as Jesus forgives you of your sins, no matter how numerous, He calls you to do the same with those around you.
When you forgive someone, they may not want it. Or they may think that they have done no wrong. They might continue wronging you and disappointing you. The forgiveness you extend is for the purpose of bringing liberty to your soul and keeping yourself in right standing before the Lord. It does not matter how the other person responds. It matters that you are doing the right thing, and by doing so are allowing yourself to move forward and live in freedom, liberty, and joy.
A perfect example of forgiveness is displayed in the scriptures in Luke 23:34 NIV; Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Jesus said this while He hung on the cross and was being crucified. The people were killing Him in the most brutal fashion. He was in the most excruciating pain, and yet He asked His Father to forgive the people for what they were doing against Him.
This day, I encourage you to take a step of forgiveness. Don’t hold onto your pain and bitterness for another day. But release it. Release it from your heart and to the Lord, and allow Him to take you up and transform and heal your life.
You can start by praying this prayer aloud to Him;
Dear Lord Jesus,
I ask that You would forgive me of my sins and wash me clean with Your blood. I give You my life; and I commit my life to You. I forgive myself Lord for my shortcomings, and I ask that You would heal my heart of all bitterness, resentment, and un-forgiveness. I forgive those that have wronged me, hurt me, abused me, and mistreated me. It was not by Your hand that these things were done to me. It was not Your will. It was done by the hand of the evil one, and I renounce the devil and all his ways against me in these matters. And I release these things from my heart, and I give them to You Lord.
In Jesus Mighty Name I Pray,
Amen
Recent Comments