Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV)
For me, forgiving the little ‘wrongs’ done to me in life comes easily. I mistakenly take pride in the fact that I have a forgiving heart. Usually. However, if there’s one place I hold out, one person I struggle to forgive, well, that’s the same as failing to forgive at all. I can’t pick and choose who deserves my forgiveness and fool myself into thinking I have it all figured out. No. I must forgive all who have wronged me. Otherwise, my relationship with Christ can not be completely full.
Who do you need to forgive? Is it someone who cut you off in traffic and caused you to ‘stress out’? Or maybe it’s someone from your past who over time hurt you and created anger and bitterness within as you struggled to understand their actions. No matter the size of the wrongdoing, the results of not forgiving remain the same.
The negative emotions we carry through our inability to forgive don’t affect those we’re upset with. Instead, they fill our hearts and take up the space meant for God’s love, peace, and understanding.
Lay your bitterness at Christ’s feet. Allow Him to take it up for you and change your heart into the loving reflection of Him that He desires.
You can do this through:
- intentional prayer
- studying the Word
- living in love and acceptance .
Forgive everyone and let your anger go. Then, you’ll fill up that space within you with goodness and be able to live in joy.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord, Help me to forgive as you have forgiven me. Take my anger and resentment away and fill me with your peace and understanding. Thank you for loving me. Amen
Julie
Who do you need to forgive?
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