Has anyone offended you lately? Are you harboring bitterness in your heart towards that individual? Do they owe you something before you can let it go and move past it? What was it this certain person did? Is it something you’ve done to someone else before?
“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Forgiveness is defined as – the renunciation or cessation of resentment, indignation or anger as a result of a perceived offense, disagreement, or mistake, or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution.
WOW! Renunciation of resentment and ceasing to demand punishment or restitution! This is something I struggle with, and maybe you do too. There are times when I feel the offense is too big to not demand punishment or at least restitution.
But, our Heavenly Father requires for us only to ask for forgiveness and it is granted, PERIOD! Nothing more! Grace and mercy abound when the Father offers forgiveness. Do you know why?
God is FORGIVENESS!
Jesus took on God’s full fury when He died for ALL OF US on the cross. He died for my sins, your sins, as well as the offender’s. Punishment and restitution paid! Why do we feel we should require something more when God doesn’t require anything more?
Do we realize how much we have been forgiven of? Do we realize that our Heavenly Father can’t forgive us until we forgive the offender?
Jesus never shunned anyone of His offenders. He prayed that the Father would forgive them, because they didn’t know what they were doing. Have you shunned your offenders or have you prayed for them?
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” – Matthew 5:44
Praying you find the strength in our Heavenly Father to release hold of the bitterness and anger in your heart, opening the door to a new found peace that only He can offer!
May we be forever found at His feet!
Categories: ABC of who He is!
Tags: anger, bitterness, forgiveness, God, Holy Spirit, hopeless, Jesus Christ, Matthew 5:44, Matthew 6:14-15, Renunciation of resentment, sin
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