Day 34

The simple prayer “Jesus, forgive me” is something you can pray whenever you find yourself wandering off of the path you were created to follow. This is about healing and freedom, not about shame, control, or self-rejection. In the Bible, especially in the teachings of Jesus, Forgiveness from God was directly linked to our forgiveness toward others. God freely forgives us, and He expects us to freely forgive those who offend us. That’s why Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us” (Luke 11:4). Receiving God’s Forgiveness should be a daily habit, and so should forgiving other people. The two go hand in hand. He extends His Mercy to us, and we, in turn, offer it to others.

Years ago, someone made a comment to me that hurt my feelings. Instead of dealing with it and letting it go, I allowed offense to put down roots into my heart. What started as a minor annoyance grew into deep-seated hurt and bitterness, and I found myself genuinely disliking this individual.

Three years later, I was in a meeting where this person was present, along with someone else I had been holding offense against for a different reason. The entire group was about to take communion, but the Lord’s Voice resonated unmistakably within me. He said, “You cannot partake in communion because you harbor an offense in your heart.” I knew the Lord wanted me to seek their forgiveness right then and there. I wrestled with that, uncertain of how to proceed and concerned about what others might think.

I realized the Holy Spirit was guiding me to freedom, and I obeyed His command. I bared my heart and confessed to the room that I had held animosity toward two individuals. I apologized publicly. The Power of the Cross and God’s Grace manifested in that room, and the offense that had consumed my thoughts and bound my heart for three years was shattered in an instant. The two men graciously apologized to me, even though I was not seeking that and was only attempting to ask forgiveness for my own attitude. Our friendship was restored, and we remain friends to this day, thirty-five years later.

I’ve never forgotten the lesson that Forgiveness leads to freedom. I invite you to discover the same thing. If you are harboring offense or bitterness, turn to Jesus. Receive His Forgiveness, then allow His Mercy to flow through you to others. As you have been forgiven, forgive others. Joy, peace, and freedom are waiting on the other side.

Questions for Reflection

1. Have you ever experienced a situation in which unforgiveness lingered in your heart? How did it affect you and your relationships?
2. How does God provide the Grace necessary for both giving and receiving forgiveness?
3. Is there anyone you need to forgive? Who, and why? Are you willing to forgive them right now?