Greetings -
Are there people who we have not forgiven? Even from way back as early as our childhoods? Even people who are now deceased - have we forgiven them? Are we holding on to hurts, betrayals, and abusive treatments - or are we bitter because people did us wrong?
Are there people who we have shown love who abused us in spite of our love demonstrations? Are we asking, "How could they after all that I have done for them?" Are we "thirsty" for revenge? Do we desire that the Lord "get 'em?"
Yes, some who aim to do us minor and major harm are in regular attendance in GOD's houses of worship. We need to be mindful that all who attend church are NOT holy nor is everyone saved who attends church. Some people believe that they are Christians but their "fruits" deny it. Some are baby Christians who have yet to learn holiness in fulness. Some are mischief agents who are in league with the Devil. Some are "veteran" Christians who elect to continue their milk diets. And certainly, a remnant are there truly in mode to embrace holiness. Be aware of the church assortments, and seek only GOD for whom to trust. Forgive all...but GOD knows who can be trusted, to an extent. No one can be trusted fully but GOD!
Unforgiveness is sin, and as any other sin, it separates us from GOD. Psalm 66:18 says, If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me."
We cannot enjoy life if we reside in bitterness. Life is pleasing GOD. Death is pleasing Satan. When we choose life, we choose love, peace, joy and other righteous things. Freedom is living holy.
Power is living holy. Holy, holy, holy - Lord GOD Almighty!
Prayer:
Father, in the forgiving name of JESUS, please help us to heal from hurts that are in our lives. We need to forgive others if You are to forgive us. We cannot count the times that we have hurt You, yet when we confess our sins and turn from our wrong actions, You, in Your love, and mercy, forgive our sins and remember them no more. Thank you, Father, for Your forgiveness.We certainly do need it.
Many have become bitter. Bitterness is a contaminant to souls. It pollutes and destroys spirits. Father, please deliver those who are bitter and those who persist in unforgiveness. They are bound and can never be at peace in bitter states. Help them, please Lord, to forgive and to heal.
Forgiveness does NOT mean that we are to trust those who have hurt us. Trust has to be proven. There are some such as ex-spouses that we are to forgive but not resume contact. Everyone that we forgive does NOT need to continue to be part of our lives. Please give us the necessary wisdom to know with whom to continue. Whether they remain as a presence in our lives...we must forgive them because that is one proof that we serve You, our holy Father GOD.
We need Your help, please, to do forgiveness, Lord.
Thank You - Amen
Scriptures from the King James Bible:
Matthew 6:15
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespassses.
Mark 11:25
And when ye stand praying, forgive,...
Colossians 3:23
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Romans 12:19
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,...for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Forgiveness
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, Sandra. We Christians do not hear enough about our responsibility to forgive!
ReplyDelete"Forgive us our trespasses AS we forgive those who trespass against us...."
ReplyDeleteWhat does that say if we don't forgive? I really am not sure but it is in the Word.
I have written several pieces on forgiveness.
It is always best if we keep "short lists" and allow the Lord to take it all. We do not need to be carrying around roots of bitterness and unforgiveness which give the enemy an open door...
Give it and the people who need our forgiveness to our Lord Jesus Christ. HE is able.
Also, forgiveness is a CHOICE. It is an act of our will. We don't have to "feel like it" but to ask God to help us DO it. It is against Him and Him only that we sin so we are breaking His heart with unforgiveness....
AND it is SO freeing to turn loose and turn that person and those issues over to our Lord!
PS We are allowed to hate, by the way. We can hate satan and sin! GRIN
ReplyDeleteI received this, via e-mail, from Wanda:
ReplyDeleteThe Watered Soul to me
show details 3:16 PM (1 hour ago)
Sandra, unforgiveness is at the root of a lot of today's health issues I believe. Forgiving others does more to help us than the one who has done the offending. Of course at times it's easier said that done. I read a post over at MTJ a while back about the issue of trust and it made me rethink the notion of earning trust.
The Lord tells us he will forgive us as we forgive others so it is very important for us to learn to forgive. I have forgiven two people in my life that were a scource of fear and pain. It was not easy.. and was a choice. I also had to ask for forgiveness for the anger I carried for these two people. It set me free. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a radical message Jesus preached. Forgive those who hurt you, love your enemies. I believe that He gave this Word because He knew what hatred and bitterness can do to the heart. It eats at it - like a worm inside an apple - destroying everything from the inside out.
ReplyDeleteWe must not allow the devil to get a foothold in our lives by giving in to the natural bent we have toward "payback." Anger is his weapon - bitterness is the seed he plants - unforgiveness is the vine that strangles love.
Dee's comment above is great - forgiveness is a CHOICE.
GOD BLESS, Sandra - thanks for this good word.