Dearest Ones,
Clinging to unforgiveness is probably one of the most dangerous heart conditions we can have because the Bible tells us very plainly that if we will not forgive other people, then God cannot forgive us. If we do not forgive others, our faith is useless. If our faith doesn't work, we're in serious trouble.
Some people have so much hatred in their hearts that they actually become hatred without even realizing it. I don't think there is anyone who doesn't need to forgive someone. "But you don't know what was done to me," people say to try to excuse their bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness. Talking about it constantly doesn't help. It helps to get busy helping someone else.
In Romans 12:19 we are told, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God's wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,'" says the Lord. Don't try to get people back for what they have done to you. Leave it in God's hands.
It really doesn't matter how great the offense is - we serve a God who is greater and if we let Him, He will make all things even. The Lord promises us in Isaiah 61:7, "Instead of former shame you shall have a twofold reward." This means payback for past hurts will be twice as much.
Jesus taught us that we are to forgive those who hurt us, pray for those who despitefully use us, and bless those who curse us. That is hard, but there is something harder - being full of hatred, bitterness and resentment. Don't spend the rest of your life hating someone. The entire Bible is a story of forgiveness. Jesus had to forgive for the shameful way He was treated, so He knows how hard it is to forgive, that's why He said He would help us. He knows we can't do it alone.
Clinging to unforgiveness is probably one of the most dangerous heart conditions we can have because the Bible tells us very plainly that if we will not forgive other people, then God cannot forgive us. If we do not forgive others, our faith is useless. If our faith doesn't work, we're in serious trouble.
Some people have so much hatred in their hearts that they actually become hatred without even realizing it. I don't think there is anyone who doesn't need to forgive someone. "But you don't know what was done to me," people say to try to excuse their bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness. Talking about it constantly doesn't help. It helps to get busy helping someone else.
In Romans 12:19 we are told, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God's wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,'" says the Lord. Don't try to get people back for what they have done to you. Leave it in God's hands.
It really doesn't matter how great the offense is - we serve a God who is greater and if we let Him, He will make all things even. The Lord promises us in Isaiah 61:7, "Instead of former shame you shall have a twofold reward." This means payback for past hurts will be twice as much.
Jesus taught us that we are to forgive those who hurt us, pray for those who despitefully use us, and bless those who curse us. That is hard, but there is something harder - being full of hatred, bitterness and resentment. Don't spend the rest of your life hating someone. The entire Bible is a story of forgiveness. Jesus had to forgive for the shameful way He was treated, so He knows how hard it is to forgive, that's why He said He would help us. He knows we can't do it alone.
We will probably never forget the damage done to us, but that isn't necessary to forgive. Jesus will probably never forget what Judas did to Him. When we do not forgive as Jesus did, we cause Him so much pain.
I heard about an 11 year old boy, who saw his mother stabbed to death, while he, himself, endured 18 stab wounds. However, he did live. It took him a long time to forgive - he said he was only able to do so, when he finally realized he needed God to help him. After he was able to forgive, at the age of 35, he wrote a book called, "Stabbed for Life," in which he helps others on the path to forgiveness. The book is available at libraries and book stores.
Prayer: "Dear Lord, help me to remember I will never be like you, unless I forgive."
I wish I could tell you how much I love you!
Sister Francelle sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com
Sister Francelle sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com
1 comment:
Sister Francelle,
You continue to bless and intercede for us. The power of our Lord is with you in the words you have written and in your example of a life lived in faith. Your wisdom has increased as you have lived a life of faithfulness. I am so humbled by you and the power of God working in you! Thank you! I love you!
I had an emergency appendectomy Tuesday, March 6. Let us keep one another in prayer as we recover!
Melanie Carter Pfeil
A Search-er and Life Runner
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