Forgiveness

Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

 When you have been hurt you often feel like hurting back. Whether it be a friend that hurt you or a marriage gone sour, or that relative that you just don't mesh with, our human nature says strike back, and sometimes we have.

The word of God tells us something totally different, God tells us to forgive. If we look at Matthew 6:12 the first part of forgiveness deals with yourself, not the person that hurt you, before you go to God about someone else it is imperative that you make sure your slate is clean first.

Galatians 6:1-2 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. (attitude: approach gently and stand ready to restore the relationship)

I had to stop and think to myself, why when my feelings are hurt I want God to heal my feelings but kill the person that hurt me?? Wrong thought pattern, because in order for me to be healed I have to first ask for forgiveness and next,  forgive .

Why is it so easy to pass judgment on the next person when they're caught in their fault, but when I fall I have a legitimate reason for falling? The answer is, because no one likes being wrong, no one likes admitting they have transgressed, but God tells us to be careful when we talk about our brothers and sisters and kick them down instead of lifting them up, because you may be tempted next!

Matt 18:3-5 And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter

the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.

Sometimes I get my best lessons from watching children. When children play, they often fight, cry and stop being friends for a totally of 2-5 minutes, but what do they do next, they forgive each other and start playing again.

Hebrews 12:1 let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

Have you ever held lots of grocery bags in your arms so you wouldn't have to go back?? That weight you're carrying is how it feels when you are holding on to unforgiveness. It's time to LET IT GO!!

The prayer for today :
God we come before you  bowed at your feet, asking for forgiveness of our debts to you Oh God, Lord open up our heart and our minds and free our souls from unforgiveness, Lord give us hearts like yours, hearts that forgive our enemies for they know not what they do, hearts that will feed our enemies, cloth our enemies, give them drink when they are thirsty, Oh God we pray for the spirit of forgiveness to take control in our lives, homes. jobs, relationships, and our churches. We thank you for it and claim it done in Jesus Name, Amen!