Mastering The Art Of ForgivenessSample

Moving Forward in Forgiveness 

Author R.T. Kendall writes, “Understand this: relationships don’t thrive because the guilty are punished, but because the innocent are merciful. The mercy of Christ preceded His disciples’ mistakes, and our mercy must precede the mistakes of others too. Because Christ has forgiven us, we can forgive others. Because He has a forgiving heart, we can have a forgiving heart. When Christ truly lives within us, we have no better alternative. There is incredible power in the words, ‘I forgive you; I love you; let’s move on.”

As we have come to understand, forgiveness is not free. It cost God the lifeblood of His Son, Jesus Christ, to extend forgiveness to you. It will cost you, too, as you choose to walk its path. You will lose bit­terness in exchange for peace; you will lay down pride in exchange for grace and humility; you will lose your hurt and bondage and receive healing and deliverance in their place. In short, the way of forgiveness is the way of true and lasting freedom!

From the Parable of the Prodigal Son, we learn that God is a God of restoration. Whatever life has taken from you, God can restore. He is also a God of revelation—once you know Who your Father is, and who you are, you go back home and take your rightful place at the table. Lastly, He is a God of recommissioning. Just as he restored the prodigal son and gave him a new mission, God recommissions you and gives you back full authority to do business in His name. 

Understand this: you can read the Bible, go to church, keep all the rules—and not really know God’s faithfulness, His love, and His plan for you. Until you really know God, you’ll have no anchor in life: you’ll be tossed to and fro by every circumstance, emotion, and temptation. But when you know Whose you are, you’ll begin to understand who you are, what you’re supposed to do, and where you’re supposed to be. 

Ask for His help, forgive, and move forward in freedom and victory! 

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