Dare to Practice Forgiveness, Speak Forgiveness, and Choose Forgiveness
Have you ever been wounded, hurt, mistreated, or wronged in some way? What painful secrets do you hide inside? Do you have a hard time laying that pain aside?
Why should you let that person off the hook anyway after what they have done to you?
It is not about justifying what the other person has done, but it is about rising above the hurt, allowing God to defend you and to deliver justice, to finally heal, and to be free to live life to the fullest as Christ intended.
Let it go!
This is a powerful message about forgiveness, healing, and restoration for your life. God has a great plan for you!
Today’s truth is speaking to me…
When we forgive someone, we are actually setting ourselves free. We are not condoning their actions or allowing ourselves to be hurt again. We are releasing it to God’s hands to make it right. We trust him to handle it perfectly. He has commanded us to forgive as a condition of our forgiveness, and He has given us the power to do it. We no longer need to carry the hurt, the offense, the anger, the bitterness, or let it fester in our hearts. It takes courage and faith to obey and forgive, but it is really a benefit for us more than it is for them.
We are responsible for our part, but not the other person’s reaction. Although we should strive for reconciliation, it may not always be possible or the wisest choice. However, we must set boundaries in order to reestablish a healthy relationship. We need to speak positively about and to that person, act respectfully toward them, do good to them, show love, and pray for them. Even wish them well.
Let go of all grievances and release your right to pay them back. Let God pay them back instead. He will make it right, and He can do a much better job of ensuring justice than we ever could! We are not saying that what they did was OK, or that you are denying your hurt. You also don’t have to let it happen again, and you may not lose your memory of the event. There is a difference between having a memory and nursing a grudge. That is that you may still remember the offense but without boiling over or lashing out. You choose to be at peace about it.
God is asking me to…
Speak forgiveness over certain people that the Holy Spirit brings to mind. Repeat it as often as needed too.
Ask for help to heal from my hurts.
Choose not to be offended or to seek revenge.
Choose to walk in peace.
Speak and act kindly to and about these people. Be willing to serve them in love.
My challenge is to…
All of this is a challenge!
Remain in peace when I feel angry or hurt.
Trust God to handle it and to release it from my control.
Keep the right attitude.
Today’s Prayer… (Debbie Alsdorf)
Lord, search my heart. Am I holding on to anything or anyone I need to let go of today? I desire truth in the inner parts of me. I want to be obedient and live a life of forgiveness. Show me the practical steps in my own life and situations.
Favorite Quotes…
“Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6
“This tangled web is exactly what Satan loves to create in believers’ lives. If he can get us confused, then we will put off doing what is right, live in shame over how we think we should be doing it, or walk away from the subject!”
“Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37
“In the same way, an offense will most likely be in our memory, but when we have forgiven or laid it aside, we are not digesting, internalizing, or holding tight to the hurt anymore.”
“In other words, living in the offense. We have laid it aside and given it up, because Jesus said this is the way to live.”
“Jesus asks us to set things straight on our end.”
“It is God’s will that I forgive others, letting go of offenses for the sake of obedience to God’s law of love.”
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