Forgive And Set Yourself Free!

Forgiveness is an often-misunderstood concept. Sometimes we think forgiveness means saying that everything is OK, even when it isn't. Sometimes we feel guilty because we're unable to forget the hurt that we suffered, despite our best efforts. But forgiveness is a process. It takes place over time.

So, what is forgiveness? One dictionary defines "forgive" this way: "To renounce anger or resentment against [someone]." Another definition I like is this: Forgiveness is giving up my right to hurt you for hurting me. In other words, forgiveness isn't really about forgetting, it's about letting go. And as often as the hurt resurfaces, we forgive again.

Need more clarification on the necessity of forgiveness for peace of mind and life? I think the following quote lays it all out very nicely...

"You will set yourself free from all you thought they did to you. They need not ask for forgiveness to be forgiven. They might even believe that there is nothing for which they need to be forgiven. That is fine. Do not concern yourself with how they choose to experience reality, for it has no effect on you, unless you allow it to. For something or someone to affect you, you must first allow it to affect you." - James Blanchard Cisneros, You Have Chosen to Remember: A Journey From Perception to Knowledge, Peace of Mind and Joy, p. 152

Unforgiveness is one major barrier that stands in the way of many professing Christians to finding effective solutions to problems; to receiving healing; to finding fulfilment and satisfaction; finding peace and the blessings of God.

From the death and resurrection of Jesus, all the barriers have been torn down so if there is any kind of barrier to our spiritual progress, something that is holding us back, frustrating us, tearing us down, keeping us from the joy, the peace, the satisfaction, the fulfillment that deep down inside we know we ought to have and long to have; then the barrier is on our side and not on God’s side.

In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus tells us what to do to, to put things right between fellow believers. We must go to one another, talk about the problem and forgive one another. There is also a directive to pray and release one another, so whatever is released on earth is also released in heaven. When two believers come together and agree about anything in prayer, what they ask for will be done for them by our Father Who is in heaven.

When we forgive, it opens us up to God's forgiveness (Matthew 6:15), it puts us in a receiving position when we pray (Mark 11:24, 25), it helps us become spiritually fruitful (John 15:10, 12), and we will know that we have passed from spiritual death to being reconciled with our heavenly Father when we love each other (1 John 3:14)!

When we keep God's commandments and love one another, we prove that we love Jesus (John 14:21), and we abide in Christ's love (John 15:10)! What a magnificent blessing forgiveness really is! God sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins, so that we may be reconciled to Him, without spot or blemish. He asks that we give others the same forgiveness that paid for us.

Scripture readings: John 14:24; John 15:12; Matthew 6:15; Mark 11:24, 25; Matthew 7:7, 12; John 15:5, 10; Hebrews 12:15; 2 Corinthians 2:10-11; Matthew 7:12, 21; 1 John 3:14.

Prayer:

Lord, you said in your word that I must forgive If I want you to forgive me. So Father I ask you now to heal me of the hurt that I'm feeling. Help me to stop replaying the events over in my mind, and instead think on you.

Father, I realize that you know my pain and your desire is that I be restored. So Father I give the pain over to you now, for you said I should cast all my cares upon you. Today I lay it down and vow not to pick it back up.

I thank you God that you will walk with me through this process of forgiving. I thank you that you will never leave nor forsake me.

Now Father, I pray for my offender(s) because you said we should pray for our enemies and those who spitefully use us.

I pray that you draw them into a closer relationship with you. I pray your protection upon them. I pray that you would even prosper them in all that they set their hands to do.

Thank you Father for releasing me from the spirit of unforgiveness. Thank you for continuing to forgive me as I forgive others. Thank you that I hold no bitterness, malice, or resentment in my heart. Thank you that I am whole. In Jesus name, Amen.

May your day be blessed!

Jeanine