EMPOWERING LIVES WITH PURPOSE:
Forgiveness is this word that shows up over and over through these holidays with each and every year that comes to us. Family and friends are drawing closer together with hearts wanting the best. But many struggle with festering bitterness.
Of all commands in scripture, the instruction is to forgive those who have hurt us, but it seems to be one of the most difficult to keep.
(Mark 11:25 tells us if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them so your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.)
It’s natural to nurse our wounds in ways we do when we are hurt or we hold on to grudges from the past that separate us from the individuals who are the source of our pain in our lives. Why do so many insist on not resolving past hurts?
Please don’t replay the offense over and over in your mind this Christmas and New Year Season. God gave His Son in a precious gift of His birth so that we may be forgiven, yet some of us choose to harbor unforgiveness in our hearts. Please, let it go, forgive the offender and set yourself free. You can do this in your heart and immediately feel the burden you’ve carried be lifted. You can let it go by giving “it” (the offense) and “them” (whoever wronged you) to God.
Move on with your life. You can’t control theirs, so don’t get stuck in the past, walking in darkness with your pain and allowing your Christmas to be shadowed. Please release it to God right now. He knows, He cares. Christmas is the perfect time to forgive.
If you don’t forgive, others will notice your unforgiveness, whether it be in your face, words, actions or behavior. They won’t feel comfortable around you or your unforgiving spirit.
Your unforgiveness may not be talked about in front of you, but understand others sense unforgiveness!
When you choose to forgive, it not only benefits 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.
“Thank you, Jesus, for coming to forgive us for every sin we’ve committed. You were born, You lived to teach us and then died and paid the price so we could live in eternity with You. Thank you, Jesus. You have set us free by forgiving us when we ask. Help us to please forgive wherever it’s needed in our individual lives. And we love You.❤️” in Jesus Name, Amen.