Scripture: Colossians 3:13 (NIV) 13 “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone, Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Scripture: Matthew 6: 14-15 (ESV) 14 “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.
DEVOTION:
When the agony of a broken heart feels like the stabbing of a thousand knives, how do you begin the healing process? It is not my place nor my intention to answer that question for you. Everyone has a unique way of dealing with hurt. Some have a natural inclination to shut down, tone out, speak negatively, or cause physical harm towards those who have hurt us. No matter which strategy you apply in your situation, it is evident that hurt tends to consume the heart and it has a direct impact on the way we feel, think, and react towards the individuals who caused the pain. Hurt can even cause us to put up invisible walls in our attempt to protect ourselves. Thereby hindering or limiting our ability to form new relationships. Even more importantly, hurt can cause us to not forgive others which in turn creates a wedge in our personal walk with Christ.
With, Jesus being God in the flesh, He serves as the perfect role model for mankind as he demonstrated forgiveness throughout his life on Earth. Like mankind, he experienced human emotions including of feelings of hurt. In Matthew, Jesus says that we should forgive “not unto thee, Until seven times, but Until seventy times seven.” (18:22), He was rejected, talked about, lied on, betrayed and killed by his people. He even demonstrated forgiveness as he took his dying breath.
PRAYER:
God, only you understand how much I have been hurt. I came humbly before you to declare that I do not want to carry this pain for another second. I do not want bitterness and hatred to consume my mind, body, or soul. Lord, I pray that you give me power to release my hurt and forgive those who have hurt me. I want to purge my heart of all negative thoughts. So, I can strengthen my relationship with you. Lord, I choose to forgive the way you have forgiven me. I pray that should memories of the hurt arise and began to consume my heart and mind with bitterness, anger, and hatred; you will remove the memory from me. Lord, I pray that you help me to not only understand the meaning of true forgiveness but that you guide as I demonstrate and embrace it in my life. I know true forgiveness does not have to be earned. Its purpose to free me from the pain and anger I have within me. Oh Lord, I ask that you help me to follow through with my desire to forgive. I want to follow your example. Cleanse my heart and purify my mind. So, that I can be more like you. This and all my prayers, I ask in the name of Jesus, the Christ, Amen.
REFLECTION:
Forgiveness is not for the forgiven it is for you, the forgiver. It removes the pain and grudge that hurt caused from your heart. It purifies your heart. You became happier. You will be able to embrace the love and joy that God desires for you. When you forgive others who have wronged you, your Father in Heaven would be able to forgive you as well. Matthew 6:14-15 states, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive other’s their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” So if you are in a situation where you find it hard to forgive, ask yourself the following: Is not forgiving really worth my soul? I pray your answer is “No”.
Tamela West Zaniya Ward (Reflection)
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