Forgive

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Read:

Mark 11:25


Reflect:

Christ ends His teaching on prayer by talking about forgiveness. Not the forgiveness God shows us, but the forgiveness we need to show one another. Jesus is essentially saying that it is no use worshipping God if we hold on to hurt, bitterness and resentment. We have to let go of those things to free up our hands in order to receive God’s forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not easy. The hurt, pain, disappointment, bitterness and anger are often far easier to cling to than we would like to admit. However, Jesus tells us that if we hold on to those things, we are missing out on the freedom and joy that He offers. Forgiveness is not pretending the hurt or the wrong never happened. Forgiveness is also not just saying all is okay. Forgiveness is letting go of the bitterness that a wrong brings so that it doesn’t control us. Carrying resentment and anger around is a heavy burden, but there is great freedom, peace and joy in forgiving others.


Respond:

Lord Jesus, thank you that you have forgiven the inexcusable in me. Please help me forgive the inexcusable in others that I might live freely and joyfully to the glory of your name. Amen.


Remind:

“Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until [they] have something to forgive.”

~C.S. Lewis~


Photo by Rui Silvestre on Unsplash

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