Forgiveness
I woke up this morning thinking about forgiveness and the Father’s great love for us that produced forgiveness. When Jesus was crucified, He looked down at those who had crucified him and looked at the ones railing against him and He said: Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. Even in the midst of His intense suffering, the love in Jesus looked past their transgressions and asked forgiveness for them. This forgiveness was extended to them when they were still in the act of crucifying Him. Amidst all the pain and hurt, He was able to forgive.
Jesus set the example for all of us. Even when someone has hurt us and caused us great pain, we are to follow our Savior’s example and say: Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. Many times people know not what they do to someone else. They go merrily on their way, never realizing how much pain they have inflicted upon another individual. And then there are those who deliberately hurt others. But, as children of God, regardless of whether that pain was intentional or unintentional, we are to forgive.
Jesus told us in Mark 11:25 that when we stand praying, we are to forgive if we have aught (that means anything) against any. And then he makes another statement in connection with this sentence. We are to forgive so that our Father which is in heaven may forgive us our trespasses, our own failings and shortcomings. We are to let it drop. (Amplified Bible) And then there is a very powerful statement made in verse 26. If we do not forgive, neither will our Father in heaven forgive us. Whoa! That is heavy duty and serious.
So, the next time you are tempted to hold on to hurts and pain, let it go. Forgive. On purpose look that thing in the face and let it go. But, Kialeen, you don’t know what they did to me. No, I don’t. But is it worth your peace of mind and well being and your relationship with the Lord to continue to hold on to it?
Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful things that God has given to us. It is a release valve for us as His children. It gives us the opportunity for newness of His life every day. It takes the blood of Jesus and washes away all the junk that would attempt to hold us back or hold us down. What a God we have! He has thought of everything for our benefit and for our good.
Forgiveness releases God’s love on your behalf and on the behalf of the person or persons you forgive. Think of that. The very Love of God Himself released to do its work. Doesn’t 1 Corinthians 13 tell us to take no account of the evil done to us, to pay no attention to a suffered wrong? That is part of the description of God’s kind of love. Love on purpose all the time. Immediately let go of anything that would contaminate or dilute God’s love in your life. It is such a freedom. And you will live longer because you won’t put yourself under so much stress all the time. Yield to love every time and you will harvest a life of blessing in the Lord.
Forgiveness literally means to send away the offense, to put it away from you. Isn’t that something? We have the opportunity to send something away that is not good for us. God knew that. Father knows what is best. He always looks out for our good. He gives us the opportunity to let go of something that would do great damage to us. That is good.
So, the next time you are tempted not to forgive someone, think of all the benefits of forgiveness. You walk in the love of God, which releases the blessing of God, which releases peace and joy and health and well-being and prosperity and all that the Kingdom of Heaven has for you. To me, I would say that is a great incentive to forgive. Forgive, forgive, forgive. Yes, it is a beautiful word and not something unattainable or unachievable. What a glorious blessing the Father released for us when He gave us forgiveness. Take advantage of forgiveness whenever you need to do so. It is a freedom that you need to walk in all the time.
Jesus set the example. He paved the way. He has already gone before you and me to clear the path and make it an easy thing to do. Just make the decision today and on purpose forgive all the people you have held aught against. Why carry a burden that was never intended for your shoulders? Let it go. Release. And you will be released to a freedom to soar like the eagle.
Jesus set the example for all of us. Even when someone has hurt us and caused us great pain, we are to follow our Savior’s example and say: Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. Many times people know not what they do to someone else. They go merrily on their way, never realizing how much pain they have inflicted upon another individual. And then there are those who deliberately hurt others. But, as children of God, regardless of whether that pain was intentional or unintentional, we are to forgive.
Jesus told us in Mark 11:25 that when we stand praying, we are to forgive if we have aught (that means anything) against any. And then he makes another statement in connection with this sentence. We are to forgive so that our Father which is in heaven may forgive us our trespasses, our own failings and shortcomings. We are to let it drop. (Amplified Bible) And then there is a very powerful statement made in verse 26. If we do not forgive, neither will our Father in heaven forgive us. Whoa! That is heavy duty and serious.
So, the next time you are tempted to hold on to hurts and pain, let it go. Forgive. On purpose look that thing in the face and let it go. But, Kialeen, you don’t know what they did to me. No, I don’t. But is it worth your peace of mind and well being and your relationship with the Lord to continue to hold on to it?
Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful things that God has given to us. It is a release valve for us as His children. It gives us the opportunity for newness of His life every day. It takes the blood of Jesus and washes away all the junk that would attempt to hold us back or hold us down. What a God we have! He has thought of everything for our benefit and for our good.
Forgiveness releases God’s love on your behalf and on the behalf of the person or persons you forgive. Think of that. The very Love of God Himself released to do its work. Doesn’t 1 Corinthians 13 tell us to take no account of the evil done to us, to pay no attention to a suffered wrong? That is part of the description of God’s kind of love. Love on purpose all the time. Immediately let go of anything that would contaminate or dilute God’s love in your life. It is such a freedom. And you will live longer because you won’t put yourself under so much stress all the time. Yield to love every time and you will harvest a life of blessing in the Lord.
Forgiveness literally means to send away the offense, to put it away from you. Isn’t that something? We have the opportunity to send something away that is not good for us. God knew that. Father knows what is best. He always looks out for our good. He gives us the opportunity to let go of something that would do great damage to us. That is good.
So, the next time you are tempted not to forgive someone, think of all the benefits of forgiveness. You walk in the love of God, which releases the blessing of God, which releases peace and joy and health and well-being and prosperity and all that the Kingdom of Heaven has for you. To me, I would say that is a great incentive to forgive. Forgive, forgive, forgive. Yes, it is a beautiful word and not something unattainable or unachievable. What a glorious blessing the Father released for us when He gave us forgiveness. Take advantage of forgiveness whenever you need to do so. It is a freedom that you need to walk in all the time.
Jesus set the example. He paved the way. He has already gone before you and me to clear the path and make it an easy thing to do. Just make the decision today and on purpose forgive all the people you have held aught against. Why carry a burden that was never intended for your shoulders? Let it go. Release. And you will be released to a freedom to soar like the eagle.
posted by Rev. Kialeen Potterton @ 6:25 AM
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