Matthew 6:15 (NKJV) 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
If we live by it, it will bring freedom to us. Yes, when we forgive others, it does wonders for us.
We may say, “but why should we forgive them, when they need to apologize to us or they need to make things right with us first?”.
This kind of rationalizing is the problem that causes unhealthy relationships with God. And we Christians walk around harboring anger and bitterness in our hearts while shouting “praise the LORD! And Hallelujah!”.
We think we need an apology before we forgive. But that’s not how it goes.
It would be nice, but more often than not, it won’t happen that way.
We must be able to forgive and release them, even If the other person does not ever make it right with us.
Who is holding on and waiting today to hear, “I’m sorry”? Who is struggling with a hard life and unhappiness because they have unforgiveness in their hearts?
Who is actually sick in their bodies because they are not going to give in and forgive someone for something they said or did to them? Is it worth it?
Let me say, we are not hurting or teaching them a lesson by holding this against them. Instead, we are hurting ourselves deeply.
I can probably take a guess and say our life is miserable and we are not currently happy. There is no peace within us because we have been hurt and our heart remains broken for years.
Until we take a step toward forgiving them, we will suffer and keep on suffering. Nothing will change or get better for us. Everything we try in order to feel better will just be a temporary fix.
Let God help with this process. He will give us strength and show us the steps to begin our healing.
The first step is going to be the hardest one.
Why? Because that first step requires us to make a sincere effort to forgive them for all the wrong they have done to us.
If we can’t do this, it will eat us up. If we can, and we take that step today, healing will begin.
We are praying with you and for you to make the effort and not linger any longer in bitterness, anger, unhappiness or sickness. Once we let it go, and God knows our heart has shifted, we will find peace that surpasses all understanding, and we will begin to move forward.
Philippians 4:7 (NKJV) 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808
401-315-0902
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