Forgive and be Forgiven!

Matthew 6:14-15 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

The beginning of Matthew chapter 6 focuses on prayer, helping others and forgiveness. All three things are extremely important for us as believers. Without prayer, we are nothing. It steers our course and helps guide our lives as we become in tune to hear God’s response. With helping others it is the call of Jesus to be His hands and feet to a lost and dying world, we are the sheep that He has challenged to help the least of these just like we were helping Him. Finally there is forgiveness. We live in a world that says revenge is a dish best served cold or to pay back someone at least double what they did to you. Life is about getting even and getting the best of someone else who has wronged us. But that is not what God has in store for us.

God wants us to forgive the people who have wronged and hurt us. Just like God forgave us for the wrongs and hurt we have caused Him through our sin. Forgiveness is tough though. It means no longer holding on to the bitterness, hurt, hatred, anger, or animosity that has been consuming us. We have to quit thinking about and dwelling on the wrongs committed against us and no long plot over and over how we will pay the person back.

Instead if we want peace and forgiveness it means we must be the one to forgive. Not because of what the other person may or may not do in response but because God has challenged us to do it. So take some time today and surrender the hurt, pain, and bitterness building inside you. Forgive those who have hurt you and allow God’s peace to fill you and change you.

#LetItGo #YFA #iDevo