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Listen while you read: "Am I A Soldier Of The Cross"1 (Lyrics) |
Do you find it hard to be forgiving? Sometimes, it is very difficult for us to let go of the many hurts that have come our way. Some may be trivial, but others are heartbreaking. I understand, as I have experienced both.
When we carry around unforgiveness against someone who has repeatedly hurt us, it is like a heavy backpack which weighs us down. I know that I have been guilty of this. If only we could realize that this burden-carrying is so unnecessary.
Colossians 3:12-13 – God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, humble, meek, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. (CEV)
We may be thinking about some injury that there is no way that we can forgive. It was so terrible that it is not possible to forgive. However, to be forgiving is an act of obedience to God. Yes, forgiving even the most tragic thing in our life is possible when we live in obedience to God. When we forgive others, it allows God to work in our life. He has forgiven our sins, so we must be a forgiving people.
Matthew 6:14-15 – For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV 2011)
In fact, the burden of our not forgiving actually hurts us so much. While we carry an unforgiving attitude in our hearts, that backpack gets heavier and heavier, and in effect, the person who has hurt us continues to do so. Let's let it go, forgive those hurts, and hand it all over to God.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for the awesome love and forgiveness for our many sins which Your Son Jesus paid for on the cross for us. Help us to look beyond our hurts and forgive others their sins against us, just as You have forgiven us. Amen.
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This has been my experience as well.
If we could only learn the lesson. Good word June.
June, this is so true – forgiving is a must! Thanks.
Well done. An excellent devotion but it is so hard to forgive some people for what they has done.
Dear friend,
I thought your message today on the devotional was really good.
Wonderful devotional, June. Thank you. Sometimes easier said than done, but SO necessary.
Blessings to you.
Great message today June. Thanks very much! Something we need to be reminded of too. May God continue to bless you as you continue to share His love with us.
That is a beautiful inspirational article, June. Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds over the heel that has crushed it. Hope all is well with you and your loved ones.
Hi June,
Your devotional was very timely and much appreciated.
This is a second one that I found so timely. Amazing how the Lord has ways of meeting our needs when we abide in Him. Blessings on you.
Dear June,
Thank you for the blessing devotional about forgiveness.
I was reminded of Colossians 3:13, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you.”
Keep writing.
Hi June
Your words today brought back memories of a friendship that fell apart.
The main reason was (religion). I grew in the Lord and my friend wanted non of it. I remember the last contact we had via phone — When I hung up I stubbornly deemed never to call again but to let her call me! Years have passed with no contact. I don’t know why your devotional today brought this to mind ?? I guess it brings back memories of a good relationship without God and for me It will never work! God bless.
Hi June;
Forgiveness is such a good topic. Just imagine if everyone forgave each other’s past mistakes: Peace on earth. Thank you for writing.
Thanks June for this…must be providential! Every first Thursday of the month, I take a spiritual class with a group of about 30 in a Christian drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Yesterday, I thought I should talk to my class about forgiveness…then I read this today! Thanks.