“…forgiving one another just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Ephesians 4:32
Forgiveness must be the ultimate stumbling block to peace. It certainly is the primary factor in claiming your salvation. We seem to be programmed to always have the need to be right or we could humble ourselves to live in peace with one another. I mean look at the world today! It seems to be a contest between me and the other fellow, my way is better than your kind of living. This only leads to failure on all sides, let alone chaos.
Where would you and I be today if God hadn’t provided the way for our forgiveness? Even in the face of all that’s going on today—God forgives. He sent His Son—His own flesh—to teach us the way to forgiveness. He gave Himself up on the cross saying; “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” He pronounced forgiveness for the very people who nailed Him to the cross. And, might I also say, He extends that forgiveness to you and me. Yes, from the cross, two thousand plus years ago, He forgave us!
Yes, I know it is hard! Believe me, I walk that road also. But, I also know how rewarding it is to finally let go of the burden of remembering that so-n-so that was mean to me and hurt me deeply. Remember how Jesus looked as He carried that heavy cross on His back up through the Via Dolorosa toward the hill of Mt. Calvary? He could hardly stand, in fact, He fell to His knees a couple of times. That is the weight that we feel when carrying the cross of unforgiving on our backs. Just as Simon of Cyrene lifted the heavy cross from Jesus’ back, Jesus wants to lift the burden of unforgiving from your back and mine. Jesus’ says, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30)
Think about it, what are you gaining by holding on to your anger—not forgiving your spouse, your friend, your neighbor, your brother or sister or whomever? You are losing. Losing your peace, your health, and most of all your relationship with your Heavenly Father. There is only one way out of this terrible dilemma you have gotten yourself in—yes, you no one else—bow your head; get down on your knees; look up to the heavens—however, you feel it’s best for you. But, in any case, open your mouth and speak to God saying:
“Father, change my heart that it may be in tune with Yours. Forgive me and help my unforgiving. I want to be free to love and be loved. Let me put aside my unforgiving and never walk this way again. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen
God will hear you in your sincerity.
Now go in peace! And remember God loves you.
Ephesians 4:32 Matthew 11:30 Romans 2:4 Psalm 25:11
Mark 2:5 Colossians 3:12-13
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