Forgiveness, we all need it and we all need to give it.
Life is made up of many different seasons. Some are good and some are not, but the power of forgiveness helps us run the race that is set before us.
We all have this sinful flesh that was passed down from Adam. Not one of us are exempt from it. People will be people and we have to remember that. People will wrong us and we them. It’s the sinful nature.
In our race of life and as we pass through each season, we can allow the weight of unforgiveness to pull us down. The only time weights help us to go faster is when we are going down. Ouch! We all have let the weight of unforgiveness pull us down. We know how to do that. We hold a grudge. We think negative thoughts constantly about that person. We wish them evil. We gossip, slander and make fun of them. And the list goes on. It’s like adding fuel to the fire when we choose to not let go of the wrong that has been done to us or someone that we love.
My friend, there is power when we learn to forgive as Christ forgives. How can we do this?
There is a Practical Path to Forgiveness.
Let’s get practical, sometimes we need a visual or a hands on to help us. So, try this. Get a sheet of paper and a pen. Sit and right down the things or people you cannot get victory over to forgive. Write down why you can’t. Sometimes it’s good to see the source of our pain so that our healing can begin.
No matter how strong or weak you think you may be, the things we carry will determine our speed in the race we are running. Remember the only weights that help us to go faster are the ones that are pulling us down.
We have to let go of the things that are not meant for our shoulders to bare. Whether it be pain and heartache from the past or betrayal by a friend or loved one. No matter the wrong, it has to go.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29
Christ bids us to come to him with that thing that is so heavy and is causing our souls such unrest.
Now grab that paper that has your list of unforgivable(s) and lets go pray.
The Prayer of Forgiveness
Father, thank you for calling me unto Yourself. I know that in You I have a safe place. Thank you for bringing to my remembrance all the things that are hindering me from running the race You have placed me in. Lord, You know in myself I don’t possess the power to forgive. But Lord, in Your Word, You tell me that I can do all things through Christ Your Son. He gives me the strength and the ability to do whatever You require of me. Lord, I have a list here of things and people that have hurt or wronged me. I need Your Sweet Spirit to soften my hard heart to let go of these things. I want to forgive, I want to be free. Help me to forgive how You forgive, so freely. Please Father forgive me for letting unforgiveness take root in my heart. Please let Your Holy Spirit remind me that I, too, need to be pardoned. I am the least to deserve all that Your Son paid for my sin on the cross of Calvary. Father, I pray that as I mention each one on my list that You help me to lay that weight over on Your strong shoulders. There’s nothing too heavy for You to bear for me. In Jesus’ Precious Name I pray. Amen.
Now, take that list, tear it up and throw it away. Get rid of it.
The Power Of Forgiveness.
In ourselves we can do nothing. But through Christ we can do all things. We have to remember all the times we have wronged someone, sometimes on purpose and sometimes not. We have been on someone’s list and we may be now. Don’t we desire that everyone show us forgiveness? Sure we do. Our power comes when we humble ourselves. We are all imperfect beings running the race to a Perfect God who loves and readily forgives. We have power to forgive when we look to the cross and remember the price He paid for our sin. It wasn’t just for ours but for the whole world.
My friend, is there something weighing you down? Is there someone you just cannot forgive? Are you becoming bitter for the wrong that was done to you? We all find ourselves here in a season of our lives.
Let Go and Let the Power of Forgiveness be the fuel that puts the speed into the race you are running.
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32
To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
2 Corinthians 2:10
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Matthew 18:21-22
