FREEDOM THROUGH FORGIVENESS

FREEDOM THROUGH FORGIVENESS

Ephesians 4:32

And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in christ.

For me, the hardest part of following Jesus was forgiving my abusers.  I held onto the anger, the bitterness, and the hatred for as long as I could.  I knew Jesus wanted me to forgive them; I just wanted to hold onto my sin a little while longer.

It took me years to forgive every one of my abusers.  But, I finally surrendered my bitterness and anger to the Lord.  I chose to forgive them.  However, I cannot forget their actions.  Even though I have forgiven them, I will no longer allow them to hurt me.

Forgiveness has freed me in ways I never thought possible.  I no longer feel burdened, as if the weight will crush me.  No more do I compare people or events against my past.

Jesus has forgiven me; what choice do I have but to forgive those who have hurt me?

Today, I pray not for revenge, but for their salvation and healing.  And, when I find that bitterness and anger eating at me again, I choose to forgive the person who has hurt me.

Take a moment now.  Who do you need to forgive?  Let go of the anger and bitterness.  Embrace the freedom that comes through forgiveness.

Jesus, thank You for forgiving me.  I ask you to forgive me for the anger and bitterness I have held against others.  I choose today to forgive those who have hurt me.  In Your name, Amen.