By: Elizabeth Haarberg
Forgiveness is Key
You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.
As I was walking this morning thinking about the people I come into contact with on a regular basis, people with whom I have a relationship, God put this verse on my heart and mind.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 English Standard Version
As I was meditating on the verse, God showed me that if you insert a person’s name for the part of the verse that says ‘world,’ it’s pretty difficult to stay mad or upset at them. Forgiveness begins to flow.
So, God so loved (spouse, sibling, co-worker, etc.). This is a way to soften my heart toward the person.
The Bible is very clear, if we want God to forgive us we have to forgive the people who have hurt us.
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Matthew 6:14-15 English Standard Version
“bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Colossians 3:13 English Standard Version
Some people don’t care about God forgiving them; I know I didn’t care when I wasn’t a Christian. Forgiveness shouldn’t be something to hold over non-Christians’ heads; they probably won’t care if God doesn’t forgive them. We begin to care about forgiving others when we have a relationship with God.
Unforgiveness will leave you stuck, bitter, nasty. There have been scientific studies on the effects of forgiveness and unforgiveness on health, body and mind. The bottom line is, forgiveness is good for us.
How to start the process of being a good forgiver? Begin with our relationship with God. All good things come from Him. As your relationship grows with him, start the process of forgiveness with people. It may take time or it may be immediate, the timeline to forgiveness is a mystery. Just commit to God and the other pieces will fall into place.
Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Amen! It is so true about forgiveness and how it saves you from bitterness. I have one person in my life who is the most angry, bitter person I have ever met and I speak about how forgiveness will help her let go and be able to enjoy things; not be wrapped in this vicious cycle. No such luck yet, but that is God’s timing, not mine.
Loving someone that is bitter and angry is one of the most difficult tasks I’ve ever attempted. Fortunately God’s love is more powerful than any force in the universe. When I allow Him to love someone through me it takes the ‘work’ out of the process. Thanks for your comment!