Unforgiveness is one of those things we all deal with whether Christian or not. I believe that forgiving someone is the ultimate test of true Christianity. I can’t tell you how many times I have struggled with this very issue. There were so many times in my life that I did not want to truly forgive someone who had hurt me or offended me. It was hard. I didn’t want to do it. How could I forgive someone who had lied on me and called me everything but a Child of God? I couldn’t bring myself to that realization. Until, one day, I read this passage in Matthew 6:15 “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Whoa! That really got my attention. I thought to myself, “you’re telling me I have to forgive others in order for God to forgive me???” Of course, I would tell God but this person said this about me or this person did this to me. How can I possibly forgive them?
The answer was simple as God revealed it to me….”Have I not forgiven you time and time again?” I could hear God’s still quiet voice in the innermost being of my soul remind of the many times that He has forgiven me. I had no other alternative. I had to forgive in order to be forgiven.
I can’t begin to tell you how freeing and liberating it has been to forgive others. And let me tell you this just so you will know, the only real way you know you have truly forgiven someone, is if their name is mentioned and you no longer feel bitterness, anger, or resentment towards that person.
Forgiving others is not something that we probably should do. No, as believers, we are commanded to forgive others. In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”
We are commanded to forgive, not suggested. I’m not telling you it’s going to be busy. Heck, it’s very hard at times, especially if that person is a family member. I will tell you however, that forgiveness is the most freeing thing that you could possibly do for both you mind, spirit, and soul. You will begin to experience God’s peace in an abundant supply.
In John 16:33, Jesus told us, “I have told you these things, so that in me in you many have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
You are going to go through some difficult things in the Christian journey. We will all experience hardship, loss, heartbreak, or offense sometime or another. The good news is, that Jesus Himself has left us His PEACE!
I am so thankful to serve such a loving and kind God! I am beyond grateful for His love, joy, and peace. I can’t imagine my life without Christ.
Today I invite you to let go of any unforgiveness in your heart and surrender that situation to Jesus. He offers to give you rest even in the midst of your circumstances. Allow God to be your healer, redeemer, and your Prince of Peace.
Will you pray with me…
Lord Jesus,
I thank You Father for my dear friend reading this post today. I ask you Father to begin to minister to her heart Lord Jesus. I pray God that you will begin to take away all of the unforgiveness in her heart that may be blocking her from receiving her blessing. Lord Jesus, I pray that you would give my friend a fresh release God as she let’s go of anything and everything that is hindering her spirit at this very moment. Father only you can fix the hurt, take away the pain and wrap her in your love. Allow her to know that she is fearfully and wonderfully made and that she was never meant to carry all of these burdens. As my dear friend surrenders all bitterness, anger, and resentment to You Lord, I ask that You will send her Your Peace which surpasses all understanding. Give her a love for those who have hurt her in the past and let her know that you are her Prince of Peace. I thank You Holy Spirit for ministering to my sister right where she is at this very moment. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!
Amazed by His Grace,
Ofelia