[Jessica Jagerson]

MATTHEW 6 – FORGIVE THEM

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14

Is there someone in your life that has hurt you? I mean, not just hurt you, I mean someone who has deeply hurt you?  Perhaps it was an unkind word or a neglected recompense that was rightly due to you? Or maybe it was a malicious act against your person, something you cannot forget.

Whatever it may be, however it may have evolved, it has left an open wound in your soul. And it has caused you to resent that person with deep disdain. And because of the hurt they have caused you and how the pain has affected your life, you have no place for forgiveness… just hate. And you have harbored these feelings for what has now felt like a lifetime.

CHALLENGE

To all your enemies and unkind acquaintances, Jesus said, “Forgive them,” even if they do so with malicious intent. PRETTY BIG WORDS FROM THE SAVIOR. Are you ready to forgive your detractors? To “let go and let God” take its toll? If so, it will relieve you from so many burdens that have hindered your peace and joy.

May God do a miracle in you tonight. May God quicken your spirit and deliver you from the burdens that have carried for so long. May you finally give it all over to God and set yourself free.

[Lenay Nichols]

Forgiveness is something I can honestly say I am actively practicing in my adult years. I have learned, un forgiveness disrupts my focus, and when I hold it in my heart, I struggle to function fully in my day to day life. When I feel hurt or resentment rising, I intentionally acknowledge it and say out loud that I forgive the person who caused me pain, then I redirect my focus toward something positive; sometimes that even means physically getting up or changing my environment to reset my mindset.
I understand without forgiveness in my heart, my Father in heaven will withhold forgiveness from me, and I need forgiveness every day. Because of this, my work in this area is ongoing, and my growth is a continuous journey. I am discovering, forgiveness clears my path and helps me stay present, which then allows me to accomplish more and live with greater peace. I strive to always forgive, and when I struggle, I take the necessary steps, including working through it with my therapist. I truly thank God for the power of forgiveness and the freedom it is/has brings/brought to my life.

[Chase Cole]

As for the topic of forgiveness, it is extremely difficult to forgive those who have greatly hurt you. As someone who still harbors a bit of this anger, I can say that forgiveness is essential in life. I have seen many times in my life where the anger that I haven’t let go of yet has harmed me.
However, as I have entered this journey with our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. I’ve learned to forgive others much more frequently than I had in the past. It is something I still have to work on, but I can say I am actively pursuing the path of forgiveness. I can’t say that it has been easy, but I can say forgiving one person has immense power. And if just forgiving one person has immense power, imagine how much power our Lord has to forgive all of us for our sins.

[Author]

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