C.S Lewis once said, “It is a Christian duty for everyone to be as happy as he can.” It’s actually what we are called and made to be; to be joyful, cheerful and abundantly happy.
Jesus said it this way, “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance, to the full, till it overflows (John 10:10 AMP).
Cheerfulness and joy are what God wants to give us and it’s when we choose to walk in close relationship with Him that any of our sorrow, bitterness or anger can be exchanged for His joy. I’ve discovered that even in the midst of depressing situations, sadness and loss that I can know His comfort and abiding joy. That Jesus actually does come alongside us to minister comfort and turn our mourning into dancing and our sorrow into joy if we turn and receive from heaven all we need and desire. (Psalm 30:11)
However some things can block the exchange between Jesus and us, and our receiving of this joy and cheerfulness. One of those “blockers” is un-forgiveness which inevitably causes people to become angry and bitter. Un-forgiveness steals people’s good cheer and often results in illness, relationship breakdowns, strife and turning everything sour and horrible.
God however has a solution. He advises us to, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted and gentle, forgiving one another as He for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.”
If you are struggling physically and emotionally or you just feel awful inside all the time, take a look in the mirror and examine your heart and attitudes. Is there an angry, unforgiving person looking back at you? Because the truth is we don’t actually hurt the person we are holding a grudge against the most (they probably barely think about us). Our unforgiveness and grudge holding hurts and steals from us the most and filters into everything we do, think and become if we aren’t careful.
Today I really encourage you to let go of the weight of anger and un-forgiveness and choose for your own sake, and the people close to you to walk in forgiveness so that your heart and life can be healed and filled with joy and good cheer.
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25)
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? “Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”(Matthew 18:21-22)
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-6)
Prayer: Lord please reveal to me if I have un-forgiveness in my heart and help me to then forgive and let go of any grievances I may have towards others. Today I turn to you and receive your joy and ask you fill my heart with your love and good cheer. In Jesus name Amen.
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