It is amazing to me that so many of us Christians seem to struggle with forgiving others as much as those who have never known the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. I believe that a great deal of our lack of joy and power is tied to the fact that we continue to hold on to old hurts. We are crippling ourselves and yet wonder why we can't function well! Instead of looking at ourselves, we begin to blame others...delineating in our minds all the hurts inflicted upon us....further crippling ourselves with more record keeping and unforgiveness.
One of the best pieces of marital advice I ever received was about forgiveness. The teacher said something like this, "Most people will tell you that communication is the most important ingredient in marriage, but I tell you that forgiveness is more essential. In marriage you will sin against one another, both in big and small ways, an infinite number of times; but because we, as humans, only have a finite ability to forgive, it is critical that we call upon an infinite God to empower our frail human hearts to go beyond what is natural and forgive by the will of His supernatural Spirit."
So, why should we forgive when we have been hurt so badly? Because our own forgiveness depends on it! "Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." Mark 11:25 Take a few minutes to really look back at the days of your life, are there not hidden actions or attitudes of the heart that you desperately need God to forgive? I believe there are for all of us. According to the Word of God, our own forgiveness from God is dependent on our choosing to forgive the sins which others have done against us. We must realize that we are not “better”! Only by the grace of God go I!
Now, it is critical to remember that forgiving someone does not mean that you are letting them off the hook or saying that what they did was not wrong or that you were not damaged by it. What is means is that you are releasing them and their sin unto God for Him to deal with. And truth be known, God will often wait for us to release those we have bound in our hearts through unforgiveness before he empowers them to change how they are acting. God is often waiting on us to forgive first.
So, just for clarification, the reason I chose to write this today is because of what I read in my daily devotion. And as I read it I thought this is what makes the life of a true Christian different than the life of all others....the ability to forgive beyond our own human ability. We are forgiven in Jesus Christ - we are compelled not to hold grudges and keep records as a result. It is time to STOP! Until we forgive we will not be free, at peace, or able to clearly see the things of God or the people around us!
Here's what my devotional, which comes from Hal Helms personal journalings with God, had to say, "And now, My son, be at peace with yourself and others. Let no grudge or hurt remain lodged in your heart. Remember My words, "Forgive as we forgive," and struggle against the desire to hold on to some injury from the past. A free people is a forgiven people. A free soul is a forgiving soul. Where you hold back the forgiveness you keep yourself in bondage. There is much to learn about this miracle - the grace of forgiveness. And there is much need of it, both in your life and the life of others. Don't wait for them, but heed My word for yourself.
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