Forgiveness - A Lifestyle
"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."1
Showing mercy to those who hurt us is not a natural response; it is easier to get angry with them. But God commands us to be merciful (Luke 6:36). We who have received divine mercy must practice a lifestyle of forgiveness.
So why don't we do it? Sometimes our pride gets in the way. We get angry when we are disrespected or ignored. Some of us have been seriously hurt or treated in an unfair way. Our mind is so full of pain that we get stuck in the past and are not able to see how we can come to forgive.
Spitefulness can have all sorts of unintended consequences, including broken relationships, emotional bondage, and indifference to the Lord. The longer we hold on to our anger, the more it will affect our fellowship, not only with other people, but also with our Heavenly Father.
We find it difficult to forgive those who lie about us, treat us badly, or cause harm to our loved ones. Even so, their behavior to us is no reason to deny them mercy. God calls us to forgive as He forgave us, and with His help, we can do so.
Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help me to forgive as You do. Knowing that I can trust You to bring healing to my life, to my heart...
Show me your divine perspective so that I may have compassion and extend of Your grace. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
1. Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT).
Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.