Forgive quickly and move on. It sounds easy enough but in reality forgiveness takes courage and effort on our part to face our hurts, disappointments, abuse, betrayal and whatever else may have occurred to cause us to be holding things in our hearts against others.
However we help ourselves most when we face our heart issues, be honest about how we feel and then actively choose for our own good and because it’s the example Jesus set for us to live, to forgive people, let go and move on. The alternative us un-forgiveness which often leads to bitterness, harm, mistrust in our relationships and can open the door to sickness in our lives.
Without forgiveness there can be no real healing of the hurt for we end up carrying un-forgiveness around with us, going over and over what others have done while the other person/s probably don’t even realise our issue, think about us, care or even remember. We don’t have to pretend we forget what they may have done but we can face it, forgive, let go and move on so that a root of bitterness doesn’t find its root in our hearts, hold us back from our destiny and steal all the new things God has in store for us.
So How Do We Forgive?
1. We choose – we have to decide to face the issue of what caused us to hold un-forgiveness in our heart in the first place and not just push the hurt aside and carry on without dealing with the issue properly. We actively look at our hurt and un-forgiveness and then choose to forgive. It’s important to understand we can’t live just by how we feel, because most of the time we won’t feel like forgiving at all. Yet God says forgive, so we forgive knowing that He asks us to do so for our own good.
It’s okay to get some help to work through any hurts, abuse or issues that just seem too painful to deal with alone. Go and talk to someone and or a professional who can walk with you through the process of facing your pain and letting it go.
2. Depend on God to help. We need His help to live a life of forgiveness and freedom. He will help us to walk in forgiveness, to let go and to move on, because He has better things for us. The Lord recently said to me, “Focus focus focus. It’s all about focus. You can sit in your anger and resentment or look at me and let my goodness and grace flood through you.” If we look to Him, ask for His help and healing He will give us the strength and courage to forgive.
3. Pray –Pray for our enemies and bless those who curse us (Romans 12:14; Luke 6:27-28). For as we forgive we make room in our hearts for good. We overcome evil with good.
As we forgive we become more open to the goodness of life instead of looking at everything through the eyes of bitterness. Forgiveness draws good people to us, rather than repelling those people God wants to bring into our lives. Often opportunities, new relationships, ideas, creativity and answers will flow into our life as we become more open to receive, rather than being full of bitterness, anger and strife.
Forgiveness is good for us and as we choose to face our pain, forgive as quickly as we can and move on, we learn to trust God to heal and protect us. As we do this God will invaribly restore our hope and faith in humanity and reveal to us that there are actually good people still out there that He has positioned for us to meet.
Today choose to obey God’s way of doing things and live a life of forgiveness. Be set free as you move on from holding onto people’s wrongs against you and make room for new people, places and things in your life. The world is a beautiful, amazing place. Don’t let un-forgiveness and hurts you have suffered steal its wonder from you.
“Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 TPT)
“Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 TPT)
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
Prayer: Lord please help me to let go of un-forgiveness quickly and to move. I forgive those who have hurt or damaged me in any way. I give you my hurt and anger and choose to trust you to take care of me and to heal my heart today. In Jesus name Amen.
Comentários