Let it go…
When you start to read God’s Word, conviction takes place. In a big way.
I felt it recently. Word by word as I read my Bible, I was UNDONE by conviction. Not guilt, but conviction. There is a difference.
Conviction is that gentle whisper of The Holy Spirit…guilt is the loud condemning voice of the enemy.
I was convicted to forgive.
There were people in my life that I harbored anger against. No one ever really even knew. It was a hidden anger that grew and festered.
If I knew I was going to have to see or be around these people, my stomach just would wring up in knots. My breathing would get faster and my heart rate too.
Often, I felt like a fraud because I knew I could not stand to be around them, but I also knew that I was to forgive..to turn the other cheek.
But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. Matthew 5:39
Surely, there is an exception to this rule? *raising my hand in class to ask Jesus*
Jesus never tells us of any. *sigh*
Plain and simple, we are to forgive, and keep on forgiving.
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Matthew 11:25
I think of the very words of Jesus as He was hanging on that cross..
“Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:33
Hurt hurts.
Pain hurts.
Words hurt.
Actions hurt.
Love heals.
Forgiveness heals.
Kindness heals.
Praying for your enemies heals.
All of these things are true. Jesus never tells us to deny our pain, He tells us to forgive those who cause us pain.
Forgiveness breaks the chains around us that suffocate and pinch our very souls.
I have found, forgiveness is a process.
It starts with saying it out loud for me. “Lord, help me to forgive _______.”
Then, I say, “Lord, I forgive_______.”
Finally, I say, “Lord, bless _______ and pour your love and favor over them.”
The last one is the hardest to pray. Like, really hard.
However, it is necessary and exactly what Jesus tells us to do in Luke 6…
But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
I know, I know. It seems impossible, doesn’t it?
But, it isn’t.
Jesus would never tell us something that wasn’t true and helpful. He loves us and wants the very best for us.
Holding hatred, grudges, and unforgiveness robs us of that abundant life He has for us.
“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly. John 10:10
Is there someone you need to forgive? Or maybe many people you need to forgive.
Break those chains once and for all.
Start today.
Say it out loud.
Do it several times a day.
Do it until you feel that pestilence and mold start to fade away around your heart.
I am still in the process over here on my little street…so you are not alone.
Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. -Corrie Ten Boom
turning this cheek,
jill
