Do you want to be forgiven? I know I do.
Do you love others? Of course you do.
Or you like to think that about yourself, right? The question is, when people fail you – and I mean, intentionally hurt you, anger you, frustrate you or cause you pain – what is your first response?
I’m guessing it’s not a big gush of love pouring from your mouth. Unless…
Unless you have walked with the Good Shepherd long enough to see Him react to the venom and hatred spewed at Him from every corner of creation. Unless you have read His sermon on the mount in Matthew 5.
Love your enemies and pray for those who despitefully use you.
Right. So easy for to say, not so easy to do. Or is it?
It takes a choice. A definitive, stand-my-ground kind of a choice. Forgiveness is never easy. Neither is obedience. But that’s what it comes down to. Will you obey? Will you follow the One who loves you in spite of what you’ve done? We all want to. But choose whom you will serve.
- Forgive others.
- Because you are forgiven.
- Then you will know the Truth. And Truth sets you free.
- After that, it’s easy. Pray for them. Pray from a heart of love for God.
Ask the Lord to show them His love. Tell Him of your willingness to forgive, then let it go. Pray for them to be blessed – not with things, but with awareness, a realization of their own wrong actions, and an understanding of God’s forgiveness. When you do this, your heart will melt with love. Your very own heart – moments before ready to inflict pain on that person – will radiate with wisdom, peace, and love.
Who do you need to forgive today? Someone who hurt you long ago? Or someone who just smashed into your bumper today? Maybe it’s that irritating person who keeps telling you you have to right to hold a grudge – the truth speaker in your life.
Whatever has hurt you – don’t let it continue hurting. Forgive.
- Forgive.
- And let love flood your heart and mind.
- Let hope show you purpose.
- Let joy excite you in the moment.
- It just takes forgiveness.
Read Jesus’ words on forgiveness. And be honest about what you are reading. What is He really saying here? Take it to heart. Listen. Understand.
James and Cindi Runyon 