Forgiveness is a choice. We can harbor that hurt and not forgive or you can choose to forgive and try to mend that broken relationship.
If restoration is not possible, then forgive that person in your heart. Pray for those who despite fully use use you, the Bible tells us. It is hard to hold onto not forgiving when you genuinely pray for that person.
Decide today and start to pray for that one who has hurt you. You will have a freedom you cannot imagine until you do.
Do you find it hard to love some people? Maybe it is a fellow worker, a disagreeable neighbor, someone in your family, a person of another race or religion.
It is a natural reaction to not love someone who has hurt you, but that is the problem. It is a “natural” reaction. The Bible tells us in Ephesians as Christians to put off the old man which is corrupt and put on the new man, which is holy.
How then do we overcome the lack of love in our lives? Start to pray for that person if it is an individual. Ask God to change your heart if it is a group of people.
We cannot be an obedient Christian or have God’s blessings if we have hate in our heart.
“Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.”
Corrie was a woman who suffered terribly in a concentration camp in World War II. Her father and sister died from cruelty of prison guards.
She became well known after the war by writing and speaking of her experiences. Her faith in the Lord Jesus was what got her through those terrible times.
She realized that she must forgive the person who caused her so much pain and grief when she came face to face with him after one of her speeches.
This former prison guard stretched out his hand and asked her forgiveness. After several seconds she realized that she must with God’s help forgive him. She took his hand and felt God’s amazing love flow through her.
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. Mark 11:25&26
Has someone hurt you? You feel angry and that person does not deserve to be forgiven.
What about you? How many times have you hurt our loving Savior, Jesus? Maybe by thought or action that does not please Him. Then in His love and mercy, He has forgiven you. Not just once but numerous times.
How much more should we forgive that person who has hurt us? God tells us to forgive. It isn’t easy sometimes but if you truly want to forgive, He will give us the strength to forgive.
It is a choice. We can continue to have resentment in our heart or consciously forgive. The right choice gives us freedom that true obedience gives.
Forgive your enemies, it will mess with their mind.” This is a quote from a church sign. Catchy but true. The Bible tells us to forgive and also do something good for your enemies.
The best thing we can do is pray for them, the next is to witness to them in a simple non confrontational way.
SOS asks this question, ” Do you know the 3 Things God Can Not Do.” Simple, thought provoking and an easy way to witness to your family, friends and even your enemies.
Intimacy with God requires a repentant heart. In His love, God says when we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to cleanse us. That cleansing restores our fellowship with Him.
God hates sin because He is Holy and Righteous. Sin is anything we have done that God has commanded us not to do.
All have sinned and come short. You can watch a small child only months old and already they are sinners. Selfishness and disobedience. They will be playing and grab a toy from another child, hit or bite.
Jesus paid the penalty for all our sins if we by faith ask His forgiveness, repent of our sin and put our trust in Him.
Intimacy with God requires a repentant heart. In His love, God says when we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to cleanse us. That cleansing restores our fellowship with Him.
God hates sin because He is Holy and Righteous. Sin is anything we have done that God has commanded us not to do.
All have sinned and come short. You can watch a small child only months old and already they are sinners. Selfishness and disobedience. They will be playing and grab a toy from another child, hit or bite.
Jesus paid the penalty for all our sins if we by faith ask His forgiveness, repent of our sin and put our trust in Him
Forgiveness is a choice. We can harbor that hurt and not forgive or you can choose to forgive and try to mend that broken relationship.
If restoration is not possible, then forgive that person in your heart. Pray for those who despite fully use use you, the Bible tells us. It is hard to hold onto not forgiving when you genuinely pray for that person.
Decide today and start to pray for that one who has hurt you. You will have a freedom you cannot imagine until you do.
God’s Word has so many practical things to say about how we should live.
Communication is the key to a good relationship. This verse tells us how to communicate well with others.
Listen! Listen! 80% of the time listen. Without interruption or comment. This is hard for some of us. Be conscious of how much you speak.
Speak only 20% of the time. Weigh your words carefully. Be positive and encouraging.
Slow to get angry. The old saying, “count to 10”. Forgiveness is the key. Try to see what the other person might be going through. Everyone has a bad day now and then.
If someone irritates you remember the 80, 20 advice. Quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath.
Center for Evangelists 
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