forgiveness

Anger and bitterness can consume your heart. It's a toxic sludge that prohibits you from being free and able to love. In the passed couple months, I have struggled with forgiveness. When someone hurts me, I am upset. I mope around for a few days and then I am angry. How could they do that to me? What did I do to deserve that? I seriously want nothing to do with them.

Notice a trend? It's all about me, me, me. Not once do I direct my focus to God. If I focus on myself, I am focusing on hurt and negativity. I am choosing to hold onto the anger and the bitterness. If I shift the focus to God, I am focusing on love.

Forgiveness is an expression of love. It is not an emotion, it's an act of will. We can forgive others because Christ forgave us. Forgiveness is an outpouring of love and mercy. Does it mean that the offense did not hurt? Does it mean that whatever that person did to you was okay? No. Forgiveness means letting go. "What you did hurt, but I will not hold it against you."

When I hold onto anger, I receive bitterness. I receive stress. Holding onto anger blinds me with rage and hatred. When I let go and give away forgiveness, I receive love. I receive peace. Love prospers when a fault is forgiven. This Easter, look up to the Man that loved you so much He died on a cross for you. He died on a cross for us while we were still sinners, undeserving of His grace and forgiveness. This Easter, do not treat others as they treat you. Treat others in the way that God treats you. Let go and forgive. Let God work in your heart this Easter and always. Let God guide you:

Show me how to love the unlovable

Show me how to reach the unreachable

Help me now to do the impossible

Forgiveness

(Forgiveness - Matthew West)

Don't let your hearts be consumed by the evil that causes Satan to rejoice. Don't let what has been done to you make you forget what Jesus did for you. This Easter, I pray that you may find it in your heart to forgive whoever has hurt you. I pray that you are reminded of the things God has forgiven you for. May your hearts be filled with God's love and mercy.