Arise!: How to Get Back Up When Life Has Knocked You Down. A 5-Day Plan With Jacques McNeilSample

Forgiveness, Arise!

Are you struggling to forgive a parent, spouse, best friend, or colleague who did the unthinkable, and it totally knocked you off your feet? Perhaps they betrayed your trust, spread a lie about you, were physically or emotionally abusive; or they abandoned you and your children, when they promised, “Til death do we part.”

If you answered yes to one or all these questions, please know you are not alone.

I, too, have personally struggled to forgive those who hurt me deeply.

Their actions left me completely incredulous. There were occasions when I had sleepless nights, and my mind was preoccupied with thoughts of what had happened and how I should have responded.

My friend, the door of unforgiveness was thrust wide open, and anger, resentment, sadness, bitterness, and depression invited themselves in and tried to make themselves at home.

This was not ok. I knew better. I understood the concept of forgiveness, but having to put it into practice was by far one of the most difficult things I have had to do.

Amid the overwhelming pain, I was reminded of two powerful scriptures:

• Colossians 3:13 (NLT) “Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
• Luke 6:27-28 (TPT) “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies and do something wonderful for them in return for their hatred. When someone curses you, bless that person in return. When others mistreat and harass you, accept it as your mission to pray for them.”

At that point I cried out to the Lord and repented for my feelings that did not align with His word. I was also honest about my feelings, and the fact that what they did was not right. It was evident that I did not have the strength or capacity to do this on my own. I needed His help so that forgiveness could arise.

I prayed a simple prayer and asked the Lord to soften my heart, strengthen me and help me. And guess what, He answered my prayer. He softened my heart, strengthened me, and helped me to begin the forgiveness process.

Forgiveness can arise when you acknowledge what the person did to hurt you. It is like the first step when driving a car. You must turn the key to start the ignition.

My friend, please do not delay extending forgiveness to those who have offended you.

Begin the process with these simple steps. Pray…

1.“Lord, _________hurt me deeply, and I need your help to forgive them.”

2.“Lord, I release __________ by faith.”

3.“Lord, Luke 6:28b says, “When others mistreat and harass you, accept it as your mission to pray for them.” Today, I choose to accept this as my mission to pray for ____________. They are your son/daughter, and I pray for their salvation and deliverance in Jesus Name.

Declaration: I declare that I am no longer held captive by feelings of unforgiveness, resentment, anger, and bitterness. I am a new creation in Christ, empowered by God’s grace to fully forgive those who have wronged me. Today, I proclaim that forgiveness arises within me, in the name of Jesus.

I pray these five days have inspired you to believe that you can recover and rise up when life knocks you down. Don’t stop here, visit me at https://mailchi.mp/jacquesmcneil/devotional-landing-page and join the 30 Day Arise Challenge.