|
DEBRA TOPE
SEER/INTERCESSOR
Thursday Thought For Today
We have all come across a situation in our life that reeks of unfairness and hurt. There are, for some of us, indescribable occurrences that have happened to us, that cut into our heart and spirit so deep that we were sure it would never be healed.
I have walked this path of unforgiveness myself and I know the pain of letting go. But I also know that everyone can forgive even when it feels like you can’t.
Some things we can forgive right away. But there are other times that are not so easy. Those are the times that you have to keep saying Forgiveness Is A Choice.
I had to repeat over and over “I choose to forgive. Forgiveness is a choice.” As I whispered those words I was screaming inside “No!” It was then that the hand of God covered me. And through my tears, I remembered these scriptures.
Jesus stood with me as I cried all that pain and bitterness out. He took it from me and when it was over, I felt so free, so light.
Forgiveness has been compared to peeling an onion. It is peeled one layer at a time. This is a process. It can happen instantaneously or it can happen in steps. For me it happened in steps, so don’t worry if you don’t feel that relief and freedom right away. However, you must begin the journey. That is where saying: Forgiveness is a choice and I choose to forgive will begin.
The benefits of forgiveness are peace of mind and a new found joy. Because as you forgive, Jesus is there replacing the dirty old garments with fresh, clean and new garments.
I had others that walked this path with me. I didn’t have to go through it alone. So if you want someone to go with you I am here. You will never be the same. God bless each of you.
Matthew 18:21-22 NIV
"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but 70 times 7.”
Then there is Matthew 6:14-15 NIV from the Sermon On The Mount.
It was at the end of the Lord’s Prayer that Jesus taught: For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive you.
Mark 11:25 NIV
Jesus was teaching and He said, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
|