WATCHWORD:
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” Matthew 6:14, 15
Meditation:
Choose Forgiveness
Do you need to forgive someone? Seriously, think about that. Who do you need to forgive? Perhaps it’s yourself? Ah-ha, is that the problem? However the hurt was inflicted, whether by yourself or by someone close to you, and it doesn’t have to be a violent or abusive situation, maybe you just felt like you were left out, or put down, or maybe they didn’t understand you. It matters little because of whatever it was, addressing it is the only way you’re going to get over your brokenness.
I can think of times in my life where I made a decision that hurt people I love, and every now and then I recall that episode and renew the pain and the wish that I could do it all over again. It’s like there’s a tiny stone in your shoe, so small that it shouldn’t bother you at all but, every now and then, it works its way to a point where you know it is there.
Forgiveness? Do we have a choice? Jesus reminds us that if we do not forgive others their sins, our heavenly Father will not forgive our sins. Wow. But take heart, we do have a choice and it’s contained within that little word ‘if’. To forgive is one choice, but to choose not to forgive has major consequences.
At its core, to forgive is to obey the Lord. It is a choice that has nothing to do with our emotions. In fact once your decision to forgive is made and followed, positive emotions will catch up with you. Choose to do what God has done for you and now he asks you to do the same for others. That’s the only way we can get off the pain of reliving of those experiences and move on to the joy and peace that God desires for us.
To forgive or not to forgive, that is the question. Is it better to carry the burden and miss the joy, or choose to follow Jesus’ instructions to take His yoke upon you for you know that His burden is light and you will find peace and rest for your soul? The way of the Christian is not always easy, but in His care, it does give you cause to rejoice, always! Amen.
Teaser:
Watch this space for hints and an exciting announcement! What ever could that mean? Mysterious, right. Time will tell and then we shall all see. Stan Escott.
Forgiveness Prayers:
Lord, I ask for Your help in forgiving those who have hurt me. Give me the strength to release my bitterness and the grace to extend forgiveness, even when it feels impossible. Remind me of the forgiveness You have shown me, and let that be my motivation to forgive others. Help me to see those who have wronged me through Your eyes, with compassion and understanding. Let me remember that they, too, are in need of Your grace and forgiveness.
Lord, I ask for Your help in forgiving myself. Help me to accept the grace that You so freely offer and to let go of the guilt that holds me back. Remind me that I am a new creation in Christ and that my past does not define me. Teach me to see myself as You see me, loved, redeemed, and forgiven. Help me to learn from my mistakes and to grow stronger in my faith because of them. Let Your peace wash over me, replacing my guilt with Your joy and hope.
As I forgive, I pray that You would heal my heart and restore my peace. Let forgiveness be a path to healing and a step closer to living in the freedom that You offer. Amen.
