Forgiveness

Many years ago I was a day care provider. The amazing thing about children is that they can be fighting one minute and then best friends the next. They don’t hold grudges and forgiveness comes from the heart. The Bible teaches that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and forgave those who nailed him to the cross. Luke 23:34 “Jesus said, Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

In today’s society many people have not forgiven people for things that may have happened many years ago. They hold on to the bitterness, hurt and anger-which eventually will lead to emotional and health problems. Forgiveness is the answer and letting go of the past. Yesterday is gone-nothing can be changed. Tomorrow has not arrived - so we must deal with today and focus on the positive. Stop and look at the life of Stephen-he was being stoned and asked the Lord to forgive those who were stoning him. Acts 7:59-60 “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, Lord Jesus receive my spirit. Then, he fell on his knees and cried out, Lord, do not hold this sin against them, When he had said this, he fell asleep.” Today, you may not have someone physically throwing stones at you-but perhaps they are stoning you with words. Words cut and hurt. So, how do you deal with words and learning to forgive others? The first step is to give these problems to the Lord and to allow the Lord to take care of them. This is accomplished by praying to the Lord and focusing on doing things that glorify the Lord and help others. Sometimes, it may help to write a letter to the person who has hurt you or whom you have hurt. This gives you a chance to reflect on what you are saying and make any changes in the letter that may be needed before you mail it. Many times people do not realize they have hurt you. Reading the Bible and memorizing scripture is also a great way to focus on the positive. For example: Psalms 91 is a comforting scripture to read and memorize.

Finally, remember that God has a plan. Trials and temptations are part of life on this earth. James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when ever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The Lord will give you peace in your heart and the strength to walk through these trials-if you will trust and obey the Lord.