Forgiveness is a Weapon

Forgiveness is a Weapon

“And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deed,”

Hebrews 10:24 NRSV

To forgive or not to forgive, that is the question. Many, at this very moment, are living in an abusive relationship. Some, however, have been able to escape from an abusive spouse, adult child, or even a workplace. If that is the case you may wonder, “Now what?”

I was one who decided I couldn’t live another moment not knowing whether or not I was going to get punched, slapped, or ridiculed. It took one last frightful night to convince me that I needed to take myself, my children, my dog, and whatever belongings we needed, and “fly the coop!” “But, where do I go from here?” I thought. (You can read this whole story in my book, “Embracing the Call,” the story of an imperfect woman who met her perfect God.)

The truth is I wasn’t able to move forward until I had forgiven him. O, I was living life making accomplishments, but it wasn’t until many years later when I had forgiven him, that I truly began to live. You see, forgiveness is not about condoning someone else’s actions, it is about setting yourself free. The Lord wants to relieve you of this heavy burden that you are carrying. You see, it is not ours to carry—the Lord God has said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay…” (Romans 12:19)

If you are in this kind of relationship, believe me, I know how you are suffering. The Lord calls out to you saying, “Come unto Me and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

As we journey through this life we commit many sins, intentional and unintentional, but God forgives us over and over again. It must be true, otherwise we would not be able to see and enjoy all the many blessings that God has bestowed upon us. “What blessings?” you ask. “All I see is my pain!” Exactly, ask God to open your eyes and your heart that you may be able to see what He is providing for you.

Forgiveness is the greatest weapon we have in our arsenal. The enemy cannot fight against it. He doesn’t know what to do with it—it is not in his program. So, if you want to chase the Enemy away, forgive. You will be doing the same thing as if heaping burning coals upon his head.

Jesus teaches us to forgive as he has forgiven us. Also, “IF you forgive others…your Heavenly Father will forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14) You can do it—God will give you strength, if you ask Him. Jesus is standing at the door of your heart, waiting patiently for you to open it. (Revelation 3:20)

Dear Lord, thank you for forgiving me—help me to forgive others who have hurt me so that I may live in freedom under your yoke. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Matthew 18:22   Matthew 6:14   Ephesians 4: 31-32