Dear Hearts, September is the Month Of Forgiveness and we are learning the biblical principles of forgiveness. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or excusing the harm done to you or making up with the person who caused the harm. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you live life to the fullest. Forgiveness is defined as letting go of past grudges or lingering anger against a person or persons. When you are mad at someone, but you come to a point where you accept their apology and you are no longer mad, this is an example of forgiveness. I love what Gandhi says “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” Mark 11:25 lets us know that
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
It is so important for us to forgive because it allows us to overcome our anger, heal spiritual wounds, and be set free.
I went through a very bitter divorce process when I was thirty-nine years old and I must admit I had so much anger built up inside of me for the man that once was my husband and I could not understand how he put me through so much and quite honestly, I wished the worst for him. However, God quicken my spirit and had me forgive so I could move forward with my life and keep my emotions in check when he came to mind or when others brought his name up in a conversation.
I am a living witness that God will show you how to forgive and He will give you enough grace to forgive. Forgiveness is not for those who have hurt you, but it is for you. There is nothing like going through your healing process to become whole. God will deliver you and that is why we must understand the important keys of Biblical forgiveness. Let’s discuss a few.
Forgiveness is a command
God’s call for us to forgive is not a suggestion but it’s a command. Colossians 3:13 tells us, “as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Luke 6:37 says, “forgive, and you will be forgiven,” and Matthew 6:15 goes on to say, “but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” God does not take forgiveness lightly. As believers, we have been forgiven by God, and we are without exception are called to give that which we have been forgiven.
Forgiveness is a gift.
Forgiveness is not easy but painful, but I can assure you that it is for our benefit. God does not make us do anything because he is a loving Father, and he wants the best for all His children. We are called to forgive so that we can experience all the beauty life has to offer. Forgiveness sets us free. It is a gift given to us by our all-knowing, loving God for our good and His glory.
Forgiveness begins with prayer.
True forgiveness can’t take place without prayer and guidance from the Holy Spirit. Prayer is an essential part of our lives that we must devote ourselves to in all areas of our lives, but if we are to make any progress toward forgiveness and healing, we must first humble ourselves and drop to our knees.
Forgiveness is a decision.
Our feelings are not to be trusted because they will never lead us toward forgiveness, therefore, forgiveness becomes a decision we must make. It’s a decision that we may need to make many times until we receive the grace needed to forgive. As we commit ourselves to the pursuit of forgiveness, we will see Jesus heal our emotions little by little as He brings them in line with His will.
Forgiveness is a process.
Forgiveness takes time and it surely does not happen overnight. The process will not be the same for everyone, but it is a process for all of us. Forgiveness requires close communion with God. We must remain in close connection to Jesus throughout the process of forgiveness. We need to seek His will and pray for His guidance to show us steps of forgiveness since the process is unique for each of us.
Jesus is the greatest example of forgiveness. As I reflect on the story of Jesus dying on the cross, I am reminded of the words Jesus spoke, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” as he hung up on that cross dying a death that He did not deserve (Luke 23:34). Doesn’t this show us the true definition by the fact that Jesus prayed for the forgiveness of those who were in the process of murdering Him? This is an example that we must all follow.
I challenge you reading today to come to Him; lay your burdens down. Pray for guidance and the grace needed to forgive. Pursue forgiveness, and I guarantee that you will begin to experience the bountiful blessings forgiveness brings.
Be Blessed,
Adriane
I AM Matters of the Heart