Forgiveness
Wednesday April 17, 2019
Forgiving others is something we must take very seriously if we want to protect our sobriety. You and I can never make up for all the wrongs we have done. Through the finished work of Jesus, God forgives us and no longer counts our sins against us. Operating out of this secure foundation, we will have the grace and strength we need to support our efforts in seeking reconciliation with others.
It would be impossible for us to risk taking the first step in forgiving someone who has harmed us had God not demonstrated the way. We failed to keep God’s commandments and yet He was willing to sacrifice His Son in payment for our sin. If we will simply admit that we’ve done wrong, turn away from it, and trust Jesus for forgiveness, He will gladly give us new life.
In Christ, God did not hold people guilty for their sins. And he gave us this message of peace to tell people. (2 Corinthians 5:19 ERV)
God didn’t wait for us to come to Him. He prepared in advance. He reached out to us with this wonderful gift when we didn't dare approach Him. We can reflect on God’s way of reconciliation as we begin the work of restoring our troubled relationships.
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. (Colossians 3:13 NLT)
Hanging on to a bitter grudge and seeking revenge only sickens our soul and damages those who are close to us. Bitterness is like a cancer that feeds on our insides and shows itself in outbursts of irritability, anger and resentment. Who do I still need to forgive? Am I ready to invite God into the pain and the injustice and ask Him to show me a way to peace through forgiveness?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have forgiven me for so many wrongs and even though it is difficult for me, I will work hard to forgive others as I have been forgiven. Heal me and give me the courage and strength to move forward into a life of peace with others. Amen
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