GenerositySample

 DAY SIX: The Power of Forgiveness

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” - Mahatma Gandhi

God gave Himself for the world, despite the sins of the world. Yet, we won’t forgive someone unless we receive an apology from them. You should forgive – period! Unforgiveness is a poison that can kill you slowly. Forgiveness is not for others but for you. If you keep unforgiveness, that will be your harvest, but if you forgive, that will be your seed. Guess what the Bible says? If you do not forgive others, God will not forgive you because unforgiveness is your harvest. Just as we want God to forgive us, we must forgive others.

Living from a baseline of generosity is forgiveness. You may first need to forgive yourself. Then think about anyone else who you might need to forgive. I am not saying you need to go to the person and tell them you forgive them, but I am saying you need to let it go. If you think about something someone has done to you and it still makes you angry, then you are holding unforgiveness against them. You can choose to continue holding on to it, or you can choose today to be free from the anger and the burdens of holding on to it. Once you let it go, you will be doing yourself a service by allowing room and opportunity for new blessings to come into your heart and your life. How do you start to forgive? Start by asking God to create in you a clean heart. Then let the issue go. Any time you begin to dwell or think about the situation, let it go. Forgive and move on. It is just that simple. 

Daily Reflection

Are you holding unforgiveness in your heart? Today, ask God to create in you a clean heart.

Scriptures for the day: 

But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. - Matthew 6:15

Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. – Luke 6:37

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. – Psalm 86:5

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your gift of forgiveness and for forgiving me for all of my wrongdoing. Thank you for the power to forgive. Please, help me to release my pain and hurt and to forgive those who’ve hurt me. Please, help me to forgive myself and to live in peace and joy. Amen.