Forgive quickly.
Ephesians 1:7-8. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
Hurt comes in many forms.
A few years ago, my oldest son asked me a question that stuck with me over the years. He said Mom, why do you forgive this person? This individual continues to do you wrong over and over again. My response then and now remains the same: forgive people quickly. It does not matter what people say or do to you. Make sure your heart remains free from offense and bitterness.
I am more mature now than I was back then, yet the word of the Lord was at work in me. Church hurt, or hurt of any kind, is a poor excuse to hold offense. It is silly to pray for forgiveness from God when we refuse to forgive others. Unforgiveness is poison to the soul.
Matthew 6:12 and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
Unforgiveness is a prison. Satan knows this truth and makes sure that we suffer continual hurt to hold us captive. Forgiveness is a key that enables us to escape the prison of Pride. Jesus taught his disciples the fundamental law of forgiveness. It safeguards us against self-righteousness.
The laws of God never change to accommodate our lack of biblical truth. It does not change because of our hurts and offenses. God is Just. His laws are there for everyone, believers and non-believers alike. Those who apply the word of God reap the benefits.
Matthew 5:45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.
I am a firm believer in praying scriptures. But, when we host offense in our hearts, we pray amiss. We can recite scriptures as much as we want. Prayers against the enemy's works are only effective when our hands are clean, and our heart is pure. Pride delays God's promises.
God is not the one holding back our blessings. Neither is the devil. We have the authority to decide who governs our souls. Our prayers are held back when we fail to walk in obedience to the word of God. Many of us have long been in an era of biblical illiteracy. We can embrace motivational teaching, but it should never replace biblical principles. Although encouraging others is scriptural, it is not enough to renew our minds.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Forgiveness positions us to walk in favor. When we are in right standing with the Lord, the windows of heaven are open. Blessing overtakes us. Even in seasons of drought, the children of God thrive. There is plenty of evidence to support this fact. The story of Joseph in the Old Testament is just one of the examples of true forgiveness.
Josephs's brothers did the most hateful, hurtful, and sinister thing to him. Yet, Joseph thrived as an enslaved person and in prison. He was influential to the point of promotion to be the second in command after Pharoah. This was well after Potiphar's wife accused him of attempted rape.
Deuteronomy 28:13 And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath, if thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them.
Child of God, the word is clear. To unlock God's blessings, you must be willing to do as He does. Forgive those who wrongly accuse you. In the New Testament, Jesus is the most outstanding example of forgiveness. While He hung on the cross, Jesus said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." This should always be our approach to people's ignorance.
Jesus knew the power of walking in complete righteousness. Only in Christ are we made righteous. He laid this foundation so we can live the abundant life. Pride comes when we esteem ourselves higher than others. No good fruits come from it. In fact, pride leads to self-destruction.
Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Rid your heart of offense, bitterness, and unforgiveness. Nothing good comes from being hateful, revengeful, and slanderous. If you desire to live a peaceful life, you must release the people who want to do you harm. The best gift you can give others is the gift of love.
The best gift you can give yourself, in this case, is the gift of peace of mind. As a child of God, you should expect all kinds of opposition. Jesus faced them. You are in good company with the one who shed his blood to set you free.
Have a blessed week, everyone.
