Devotionals
To Forgive or Not to Forgive
I have learned there are some wrongs, whether received or inflicted, that are so nonconsequential forgiveness is easy and without even realizing it the offense is totally forgotten. Howbeit, I have also learned there are wrongs which inflict such intense pain, suffering and sorrow they leave you with a scar...a scar of remembrance.
These are the wrongs which are impossible for you to forgive your offender of on your own. These are the wrongs that bring you to your knees seeking God for healing, strength and guidance. These are the wrongs which lead you into a deeper understanding of the great love and faithfulness of Jesus Christ.
To forgive or not to forgive is a choice with eternal consequences. God's word very clearly warns us that if we will not forgive our fellowman of his wrongs, then God will not forgive us of our wrongs.
Matthew 6:15 (KJV) But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
This scripture covers all wrongs, regardless of the depth of your hurt, you must forgive your offender or you will not be forgiven of your own sins. On top of that, you are to love your offender as you love yourself.
Luke 10:27 (KJV) And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord they God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
Talk about adding hurt to one’s injury how can God truly expect us to love someone who has wounded us so deeply we cannot escape the memory of the wrong? Seriously, is it possible to love another as we love ourselves? We are selfish creatures by nature. True, we are selfish by nature and God knows in and of our own we cannot love one another as we love ourselves but through Him all things are possible and if God requires something of us, you can rest assured He makes the necessary provisions for us to be able to be obedient to His requirement:
Philippians 4:13 (KJV) I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.
Trusting God, loving Him and surrendering all your heart, soul, strength and mind to Him is the key to living a victorious life. Victory over every area of your life including forgiveness and the ability to love your neighbor (and those who hurt you) as yourself.
Unforgiveness is being in bondage to your offender. There is no peace in unforgiveness, but there is no struggle to forgive when you are fully resting in God's peace.
Release your enemy into God’s hand by forgiving them and praying for them. Ask God to show your enemy the err of their ways. Do not remove God's hand of correction by seeking vengence. Remember the person who wronged you is a child of God's just like yourself...leave them and their trespasses in God's hand and the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your heart and mind through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
You can have Jesus' heart of understanding beating within your own heart and through the love of Jesus Christ you can forgive any hurt and see your scar of remembrance transformed into a story for His glory.
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