Church HealedНамуна

FORGIVENESS

Growing up in church, I often heard sermons about forgiveness. While I knew it was the right thing to do, I struggled to forgive as God intended. Unforgiveness stems from offense, which the enemy plants in our hearts, causing great damage if allowed to grow.

My heart was fortified with walls of offense, making me a prisoner of my bitterness. I mistakenly believed that forgiving would make me weak and vulnerable. Forgiving someone does not minimize the offense. But choosing to forgive means letting go of the offense that is robbing us of living in true freedom. Forgiveness also does not mean “forgive and forget,” and that is why many are still in the bondage of unforgiveness. When we forgive, we will probably still remember some of the things others did to us, but we will no longer allow that hurtful experience to be relived in our hearts, memories, and emotions.

The enemy uses offense to create division within the body of Christ. Recognizing that we are all sinners helps us let go of offense. The second step to healing is forgiveness, which is an act of sacrifice and worship to the Lord. Realizing that God forgave me first, even for my faults, enabled me to forgive others.

Forgiving is challenging and requires God's strength. Even Jesus asked the Father to forgive those who crucified Him, demonstrating reliance on God. Forgiveness is a daily commitment to ensure our hearts are free from unforgiveness.

Forgiveness leads to healing and freedom. It acknowledges that God has forgiven us, and we must extend the same to others. Jesus teaches that forgiving others is essential for receiving God's forgiveness. God desires us to be free from past hurts, and Jesus has paid the price for our wounds. Choose healing and freedom today.

Prayer

Dear heavenly Father,

Thank you for your forgiveness and gentle love as you expose those areas in my heart that are still hurt and wounded. I pray for Your love to continue to embrace me. Thank You for the healing You are already doing in my heart and soul. I pray that You remind me of any area of my heart that still needs to heal and forgive others. Thank You for what You are already doing in me. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Journal Prompts

• Is there any unforgiveness I am harboring in my life that I need to give to the Lord?
• What wisdom can I gain from the hurt I have experienced?