Matthew 6:15
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
The power of forgiving yourself and others releases heavy burdens, stress, low self-esteem, bitterness, grudges, and so much more.
Unforgiveness in your heart is like a battery that has corroded with acid!
One of the many reasons there’s so much chaos going on in our world today, is because of unforgiveness and the lack of love.
We have a choice to forgive or not forgive. There’s consequences behind the choices we make. When we forgive others, God will forgive us.
When I look back over my own life and how God called me out of darkness into His light, I’m grateful! God forgave me for all the wrong choices I made, and I had to repent to God and grow in grace and also forgive myself.
Forgiveness doesn’t excuse the offender’s behavior, but we must forgive. We can’t pick and choose who we are going to forgive and how many times we are going to forgive.
I’m reminded in Matthew 18:21-22:
Peter asked Jesus how many times should he forgive his brother who sins against him. Peter suggested seven times, according to the Bible. Jesus responded, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times,” implying a limitless number of forgivings.
Many are holding on to past mistakes, past failures, past hurts, and as a result of not having a forgiving heart, prayers are hindered. As a result of not having a forgiving heart, bitterness and resentment sets in.
Jesus is the greatest example of forgiveness. No matter what they did to him, he asked his Father to forgive them.
“Wow,” I know you probably are saying this is “easier-said-than-done,” and to be honest, you are right.
We can’t forgive in our own strength. It’s God’s Holy Spirit who lives in us and helps us.
When you’re constantly bringing up what someone has done to you…then you’re giving them power over your mind without them knowing it and unforgiveness is robbing you of your peace and hindering your prayers from being answered.
Colossians 3:13
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Matthew 6:12
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Acts 2:38
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
TODAY Let go and let God!!!
Prayer: Father, help us to forgive ourselves and others the way you forgive us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen
Be Encouraged!
To God Be The Glory!
(LaTina DeLoach, is a devoted wife and mother who shares these words in hopes of uplifting those who read what God writes through her.)