Praying To ForgiveParaugs

DAY FIVE: Wiping the Window Clean  

Billy Graham often said that 75 percent of patients in hospitals would be made whole if they would only forgive.

Many, many people suffer betrayal, injustice, and maltreatment at the hands of others. Christians are not immune to this—we suffer at the hands of others as well. And the betrayal, injustice, and maltreatment that we suffer can cause us to live in a certain place that brings even more suffering to our lives.

An unforgiving heart can cause a distortion in how we view others and interpret their actions. It’s like looking out of a dirty window thinking it’s a dark and dismal day when in reality the sun is shining and the flowers are blooming. The power of forgiveness is like wiping the window clean; your whole perspective on life changes instantly.

Unfortunately it is one thing to be betrayed by another human being, but sadly there are many who look at their difficult circumstances and feel God has betrayed them. They believe that God wasn’t there at their moment of crises or He let them down by not fully meeting their desperate needs. So they live with an accusing heart toward God and because of it blame Him and His people for letting them down.

When we succumb to the bondage of bitterness and hatred toward those who have hurt or treated us badly, we play into the hands of the enemy and block God’s healing and provision from pouring into our lives.

It is only by recognizing the enormous amount God has forgiven and wiped the window clean of that they will ever be able to silence the voice of the accuser.

There is a better way to deal with betrayal.

There is a better way to deal with injustice.

There is a better way to deal with maltreatment.

That way is forgiveness.

These devotionals are excerpts from Carter Conlon’s book It's Time to Pray.