Day Twenty-FIVE: More and More Forgiveness
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32
"Make allowances for each other's faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others."
Colossians 3:13
Earlier in the year, we talked about saying yes to forgiveness. On the journey to more, we will have to say yes, forgiveness more than you anticipated. For the Christian desiring more, forgiveness is not an option; it is a way of life and a conduit for God's power in our lives. Living a life of forgiveness takes us from a place of pressure to a place of purpose, from a place of pain to a place of healing, from a place of drought to a place where life-giving relationships are abundant and filled with the presence of God.
Because we live in a world filled with hurt and offence, we must be purposeful in practicing forgiveness in our daily lives. When we hold unforgiveness over others, we essentially do more damage to ourselves than the other person. Unforgiveness slowly eats away at our hearts, and it builds walls around the innermost parts of us that God intended to stay soft and yielded to the things of Him.
Our two scriptures today remind us of the simple truth of freely and graciously forgiving one another. Christ Himself paid the ultimate price, forgiving us of our sins so we could walk in the more He made for us in Him. As we grow as Christ's followers, we are directed to do the same. It is not always easy, but living a truly abundant life is necessary. Daily, choose to forgive and learn to love as Christ loves us.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to forgive (insert name here). I want to live the more You've made for me. A life free from offence and hurt. Give me the strength to choose to forgive and love others the way You do. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Ephesians 4:32
"Make allowances for each other's faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others."
Colossians 3:13
Earlier in the year, we talked about saying yes to forgiveness. On the journey to more, we will have to say yes, forgiveness more than you anticipated. For the Christian desiring more, forgiveness is not an option; it is a way of life and a conduit for God's power in our lives. Living a life of forgiveness takes us from a place of pressure to a place of purpose, from a place of pain to a place of healing, from a place of drought to a place where life-giving relationships are abundant and filled with the presence of God.
Because we live in a world filled with hurt and offence, we must be purposeful in practicing forgiveness in our daily lives. When we hold unforgiveness over others, we essentially do more damage to ourselves than the other person. Unforgiveness slowly eats away at our hearts, and it builds walls around the innermost parts of us that God intended to stay soft and yielded to the things of Him.
Our two scriptures today remind us of the simple truth of freely and graciously forgiving one another. Christ Himself paid the ultimate price, forgiving us of our sins so we could walk in the more He made for us in Him. As we grow as Christ's followers, we are directed to do the same. It is not always easy, but living a truly abundant life is necessary. Daily, choose to forgive and learn to love as Christ loves us.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to forgive (insert name here). I want to live the more You've made for me. A life free from offence and hurt. Give me the strength to choose to forgive and love others the way You do. In Jesus' Name. Amen.