Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Forgiveness

Colossians 3:13, Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 6:14,15, Matthew 18:21-35

It is so hard to forgive, especially when someone continues to sin against you. Slandering and stealing. But God calls us to forgive them all the more.

Our "Outback" study this week has really made me stop in my tracks and take this to heart. If I can't forgive them, what does that say about my walk with God? And about God's forgiveness of me?

One of the questions was "Have you truly forgiven people who have harmed you?" My immediate response was - yes, of course I have. But then as I thought about it some more and prayed about it, I had to admit to myself and to God, that - no, I haven't. I had to confess to God that I have been harboring unforgiveness. God showed me that I had to forgive three people, and the difficult thing in all of this is they are relatives that I love dearly. But the release I have felt after praying and spending time with our great God has lifted that yoke of unforgiveness from around my neck, and I don't feel weighted down anymore. The problems are still there, but I can honestly say that I forgive them from my heart, for they do not know what they do. I can love them, but not like their actions towards me and my family. I will continually forgive them.

By not forgiving them, I did not have the forgiveness of God. Matthew 6:15. I thank my God for hearing my cry, for showing me my unforgiveness. Now I can walk upright and not be weighed down, I am forgiven. What a mighty God I serve!

Phillipians 4:4,8,13

1 comment:

  1. I love you Mom! your so smart and such a great example and mom to have! You truly seek to do right by God in every part of your life! Thank you for being my awesome Mommy!

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