Friday, June 9, 2017

Called to Forgive

Called to Forgive

Forgiving has a tendency to make us feel uncomfortable at times. Sometimes we hold on to things in our humanity because we feel we are justified in clinging to our anger. But as God's children, we are called to forgive, just as our Father forgives us.

We cannot justify our own behavior based on the actions of another.

We cannot refuse to forgive others, nor pridefully neglect or excuse the sins in our own lives because someone else is with sin.

When we commit an offense against another, we are commanded to attempt to make to peace with them, even before we approach The Throne of Grace.

We are called to forgive as often and as many times as it takes.

Only God knows the affairs of the heart and what each individual is personally dealing with. He is our Banner...we must have faith in His power and desire to deal with things according to His holiness and righteousness.

Our job is to follow His Truth and the promptings of The Holy Spirit...to partner with Him in our own transformation and heart cleansing...and to forgive.

Let us petition The Lord of hosts to remove the power of offenses in our lives; surrender to Him any bitterness we harbor in our hearts. Let us pray for forgiveness of others and self...as often and as many times as it takes.

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew 7:2
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Matthew 7:3
Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?

Matthew 18:35
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.

Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Luke 6:37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.