OCU C)OST C Devotion 01
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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.
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This devotion truly defines the word “forgiveness” as the bible to me teaches you to forgive. I strongly think that forgiving someone that had deeply hurt you in the past can help ease the pain that you have been going through. There have been several people in my life who I’ve resented because of their actions, and when i first came tor Christ, forgiveness was something that came easily to me, although it was a tough pill to swallow, but i told myself, if this is what Jesus preached to his disciples, then it is a task that i need to accomplish as it not only will benefit me, but will open THIER eyes as well coming to repentance. I pray that for others, who are truly hanging on to the pain that has been caused to you, to forgive, because our Father loves us and would want us all to be at peace. Even if the other person holds resent to you despite the forgiveness, it is the right thing to do, and to help others go through the same process. May you all find peace in Him.
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This is a very significant passage. First and foremost, forgiveness is key and a foundational to our faith. Jesus makes it plain if we are unable to forgive others, God is unable to forgive us. This reminds me of 1 Cor. 13:1, where Paul says we can speak in the tongues of men and angels, but if we don’t display love it is just noise. This shows how love and forgiveness are intertwined (James, 2019.)
When we don’t forgive, it ends up hurting us more than it does the person we are holding the grudge against. Many times you are carrying around hurt and pain & bitterness while the other person is walking around free as can be because they don’t even know that they offended you, or hurt you to that degree, or you never told them. The enemy will take advantage of this because the more you let it fester and brood within you, the more that molehill turns into a mountain in your life.
The unforgiving servant in Matt. 18:21-35 shows us what an unforgiving person receives from God(James, 2019.) So we have to learn to do what 1 Peter 5:7 says and “cast our cares upon him,” let it go and give that hurt completely over to God so we can be healed & continue to grow in grace (James, 2019.)
References
James, K. (2019). Holy Bible: King James Version, 1611 Edition.
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Forgiveness can be a tough pill to swallow, especially when hurt by someone you loved and trusted deeply. That can be the worst kind of hurt. I used to have trouble with forgiveness, thinking that my forgiveness made the offense ok. I have heard the phrase that forgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping that the other person dies, and this is so true. Unforgiveness is a poison that hinders us in our daily lives and hinders our walk with God. Romans 5:8 sums it up pretty well: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Holy Bible, NIV). Christ went to the grave to triumph over sin once and for all, while we were still sinners. Knowing this, how can we not forgive others of their transgressions?
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® 2011
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Forgiveness has always been something I struggled with. Growing up I was abused physically and mentally by my biological mother. To this day I still struggle with truly forgiving her. She makes this even harder to do because. She always brings up the past and flips everything I say into an argument or twists my words to make it seem like I am the one causing the fight. Even after saying “I just want to move on and have a relationship. If not for me, then for your grandson”. God has taught me so much about loving others and doing what is right. However, I still feel like I am always loosing ground with her, even when trying to do the right thing. Anymore I feel it is easier to just let the relationship die completely then to put constant effort in only to receive none in return.
Any prayers for this situation or any advice is more than welcome. Thanks!
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Matthew 6:14 states, “For if you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” The challenge behind this verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in our relationship with God. Jesus highlights that God’s forgiveness towards us is connected to our willingness to forgive others.
Forgiveness can be challenging, especially when the offense is deep, and the hurt lingers. God has graciously forgiven us for our mistakes, and He expects us to extend that same grace towards others. This verse teaches us to see forgiveness not just as a one-time act, but as a continual process in our walk of faith.
Holding onto anger or grudges can poison our hearts and minds, affecting every aspect of our lives. When we choose to forgive, we set ourselves free. This doesn’t mean that the pain disappears instantly; forgiveness can be a long journey, and it may take time to heal the wounds. Each time we choose to forgive, we are participating in a loving act that mimics the grace we have received from God. -
Forgiveness can be so hard because it feels like unjustly forgetting what someone has done, but it is not about forgetting but rather letting go of the bitterness toward that person. That is freeing and lets us move on. Again, this is in no way easy; it may involve forgiving some people several times a day, but it is done through God’s help and through remembering how much God has forgiven us.
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Forgiveness is a powerful act, both for the person offering it and the one receiving it. At its core, forgiveness is about releasing resentment and anger, even when the hurt inflicted is deep or personal. It doesn’t mean condoning the wrongdoer’s actions or pretending the harm didn’t happen; rather, it is a conscious decision to let go of the desire for revenge or holding onto past grievances.
Forgiving others is important, but equally significant is the forgiveness of self. Often, we can be our harshest critics, holding onto guilt or regret over past mistakes. Learning to forgive ourselves is a vital step toward healing and personal growth. It allows us to acknowledge our imperfections, learn from our experiences, and move forward without being weighed down by self-blame.
Forgiveness, both for others and ourselves, has a profound impact on emotional and mental well-being. Studies show that people who forgive tend to experience less stress, anxiety, and depression. It allows individuals to break free from the emotional burden of past wrongs and embrace the present. For the person who offers forgiveness, it can be a path to healing, peace, and emotional freedom.
However, forgiveness can be difficult. It’s not always immediate, and it often takes time to process the hurt. But even in situations where reconciliation seems impossible, choosing to forgive—whether others or ourselves—can bring about personal growth and strength. In the end, forgiveness is not about the other person; it’s about giving yourself the freedom to move on.
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