Forgive

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Forgive
Current mood: thoughtful

Lately, I've been hearing from people who are just angry, bitter, and unhappy, and, I don't know. It's really been on my mind lately. I used to be that way too. Walking around all self righteous, thinking that I was always right and trying to figure out how I would win the next fight. What a way to live :( I mean, I was so focused on my own emotions and feeling hurt, that I was in a constant state of ME. I was stuck, depressed, and in a rut. The truly sad part, I couldn't even see what a mess I was. The root of all this mess is UNFORGIVENESS!!!If you are there right now, consider these words:

Matthew 6:14
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:"

Notice that is a conditional statement. If you forgive FIRST!! Do not wait for the other person to come to you. Do not believe you are right therefore you do not need to forgive the other person. Do not say, BUT, you just don't understand what that person did to me!! Don't you understand that if you let that bitterness, resentment, anger, and hatred fester long enough, it will do greater harm than the original offense itself!! God tells you to forgive because these emotions eat you up! They will harm you! He does not want to see that happen to the ones He loves. If you forgive, then He will forgive you! Do not believe that you walk around without fault. There are people you have hurt and offended. You may not even be aware of it...but, you have.

Romans 3:23
"Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives."

If that didn't get to you, then these words will. As Jesus was hanging on the cross He said these words:

Luke 23:34
"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

His own people yelled "Crucify Him". The Roman guards beat Him nearly to death, put holes in His head, hands, side, and feet. They ridiculed Him as he died for them on the cross. Yet, He forgave them. That forgiveness is available through Christ Jesus. If you are struggling in this area, as I did, I encourage you to seek the Lord and He will see you through. My heart goes out to you and I pray that these words will bless you!

God Bless,

Joy