Forgiveness

We learn at an early age not to intentionally drink poison. However, when we hold grudges, harbor resentment, or have anger toward others, it’s like upending a bottle of poison—nobody gets hurt except the one who drinks it.

When unforgiveness persists, we actually hand over the power and control of our lives to those we resent. Not a pleasant thought. It took a long time for me to realize this truth. I finally asked myself these questions:

–Who makes you “boil over” when you recall a hurtful experience?

–How often do these recollections come to mind?

–Any elaborate plans for settling the score?

Mark 11:25-26  says:

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

Strong words! I don’t know about you, but I want the Father to forgive all my trespasses! The thing that helps me the most is Jesus didn’t ask me to do something He didn’t do himself. Look at Luke 23:33-34:

“And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’”

What a powerful declaration!

When we chose to forgive, it in no way justifies or excuses what the other person did. Instead, the doors to the unforgiveness penitentiary are flung open and we walk away in freedom.

Is it easy? A resounding NO! Forgiveness starts with an intentional choice. Bearing injustices without wanting or needing to get revenge is a mark of maturity. We need to leave the vengeance part to God, and trust Him to bring justice into our lives. That’s His job, not ours.

So, for the protection of my mind, body, soul, and spirit, I’ve decided to heed the scriptures, take back control of my life, and forgive others.

What about you?

Fear or Faith?

If someone were to give you a coin with Fear engraved on one side and Faith on the other, which side of the coin would describe you? Do you make decisions based on fear or faith? Do your emotions reflect fear or faith? Do you trust God?

Every day, we trust in the work of people by crossing bridges, accessing floors by elevators, and relying on others in the navigation of various means of transportation. Yet, we limit our trust in God in many aspects of our lives, with fear being the end result. We live by one or the other—both cannot exist simultaneously.

In the New Testament book of Hebrews, one verse gives us God’s view on the subject of faith:

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

If we diligently seek Him, how can we falter or fail?

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:31-34).

If we are seeking Him, we will become grounded in His word. This, in turn, produces faith.

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

What kind of heart seeks after God? In the 63rd Psalm, King David said:

“O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You” (Psalm 63:1-3).

In Acts 13:22, King David was described as a man after God’s own heart.
Are you seeking after God’s own heart?
With God, fear flees and faith reigns.