Recently I came to a reckoning of the need to forgive those who had hurt me in the past. A Pastor on the local Christian radio station was airing a three-part series on the topic. I began listening on the first night while cleaning the kitchen.
I’d landed on his show after being unable to find music I wanted to listen to. I truly believe it was a divine appointment. The Pastor shared a story of his wife’s difficult childhood and how his own mother didn’t approve of their marriage. He spoke of the ridicule she endured from her mother-in-law for years and the moment she decided to forgive his mother. It was one-sided as his mother accepted her daughter-in-law’s forgiveness without seeing the need to do so in return. Three days later this Pastor’s mother died.
He spoke of the prison we create for ourselves when we are unwilling to forgive those who have wronged us. We remove people from our lives and isolate ourselves in return. I saw myself and what I’d become. An angry recluse who was afraid of what the world had become. It’s not the life I wanted nor am I willing to live.
I prayed asking the Lord for help and with His guidance forgave everyone that had hurt me during the past decade beginning with the man who shot and killed my brother. The peace I felt the next morning was astonishing.
Unexpected Benefits
Along with my newfound peace I received guidance for my ministry which was an area I had struggled with for several years since my retirement. The direction came swiftly and clearly. My pen could hardly maintain pace with what was being given to me. Needless to say, I am off and running with the message God has given me to share.
The music of Israel Houghton was another unexpected blessing I did not see coming. I hadn’t listened to his music for years and ignored it whenever it displayed on my youtube feed. This day, however, I saw how it reflected the perfect message of forgiveness God was showing me. I clicked on this song and have not stopped listening.
Scriptural Examples
The Bible offers several examples from the book of Matthew on the subject of forgiveness. The first Immediately follows the Lord’s Prayer (6:9:13). It says “But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” (6:15 NASB)
Another example is found a few chapters later. Peter asks the Lord how often he should forgive others who have wronged him. The relevancy still stands. Jesus responds with a parable of two slaves, both of whom are in financial straits. The complete story can be found in Matthew 18:21-34. Jesus summarizes it with this “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” (18:35 NASB)
Scripture References
Conclusion
I am learning that the need to forgive will arise often especially since I am constantly asking the Lord to forgive me. It’s not easy to forgive those who have wronged us, but it’s worth it. I hope you have been encouraged to release yourself from the prison of unforgiveness. Drop me a comment below and let me know if you have decided to forgive.
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