EMPOWERING LIVES WITH PURPOSE:
As we are approaching Christmas 2022…Forgiveness is this word that will show up over and over through these holiday weeks. This word surfaces more around the holidays, with family and friends drawing closer than at other times through the year. Some people are at odds, and the question comes to mind hoping that this year might be different with resolution at heart.
Of all commands in scripture, the instruction is to forgive those who have hurt us; it’s one of the most difficult to keep.
Mark 11:25 (if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them so your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins)
It’s natural to nurse our own wounds in ways that make us feel better; some hold on to grudges from the past or even separate themselves from the individuals who are the “source” of their pain in their lives, right?
If you were the one offended, please don’t replay the hurt over and over in your mind this Christmas. Let it go, give it to your heavenly Father and forgive them and set yourself free. You can do this in your heart and feel the burden lifted as you do it. You can truly let go by giving “it” and “them” to God. Move on with your life. You can’t control theirs, so don’t get stuck in the past and continue walking in darkness with pain, allowing your Christmas to be shadowed with hurt.
If you don’t forgive, people will notice your unforgiveness, whether it be in your face, words, actions, or behavior. Others see it. They won’t feel comfortable around you or your unforgiving spirit. It may not be talked about, but please understand that others can sense unforgiveness.
When you choose to forgive, it benefits not only you but those around you who are innocent and love you so much. Jesus was born so we could be forgiven; please remember to forgive, and it will be forgiven to you.
“But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
(Matthew 6:15)
“Thank you, Jesus, for coming to forgive us.” Amen.