Forgiveness

But if we own up to our sins, God shows that He is faithful and just by forgiving us of our sins and purifying us from the pollution of all the bad things we have done. (I John 1:9 The Voice)

Researcher Robert Enright says, “Forgiving begins with acknowledging that we are people who have a right to be treated with respect. Forgiving does not require denying that we have been hurt. On the contrary, to forgive we have to admit that we have been hurt and that we have a right to feel hurt, angry, or resentful. Forgiving does not require denying our feelings.” This is such a powerful quote because it gives us purpose and reason to feel our feelings and emotions that are attached to our pain. In doing this, we are able to identify what it is that we need to forgive.

Forgiveness is a process that we begin with God because it brings freedom. Unforgiveness keeps us in bondage. The enemy hates it when we forgive because it ushers him out and creates healthy relationships that reflect Jesus. God’s forgiveness is “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12 NASB). God forgives and forgets. Man’s forgiveness does not work that way because we do have a memory.

Therefore, we must go to God daily and sometimes moment by moment to release our hurt, anger, and resentfulness so we can graciously forgive. Until we are free from the pain and poison of unforgiveness, we need to continue the releasing process, day by day, until God frees us.

Tangible Takeaway:

Read these Scriptures:

“Instead, be kind and compassionate. Graciously forgive one another just as God has forgiven you through the Anointed, our Liberating King.” (Ephesians 4:32 The Voice)

Are you kind and compassionate? Do you graciously forgive?

“When you pray, if you remember anyone who has wronged you, forgive him so that God above can also forgive you.” (Mark 11:25 The Voice)

Are you reminded of anyone who has wronged you when you pray? Have you prayed for them?

“Put up with one another. Forgive. Pardon any offenses against one another, as the Lord has pardoned you, because you should act in kind.” (Colossians 3:13 The Voice)

Have you offended anyone, or has anyone offended you that you need to pardon and forgive?

This is an excerpt from We’re Still in This by Susan Goss – a new relationship devotional book released by DaySpring publishing.  Learn more about this book, or shop other books from DaySpring.