Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31-32
Forgiveness. It ain't easy. Whether real or perceived, offenses happen. What we do with them determines how we live from that moment on... unless we choose - yes, choose! - to forgive. Unforgiveness casts a shadow and colors everything we do. Matthew 6:14 NLT tells us, "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you." That sounds easy. However, verse 15 explains, "But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." We tend to want to hold on to the offenses so we can still be angry. The Word tells us that he who angers you controls you. We cannot walk in freedom unless we choose to forgive. It ain't easy. It takes a lot of practice.
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to grouse, gripe and grumble? Carp, complain and criticize? Sometimes it's so stinking easy that you catch yourself in the middle of doing it before you even realize you started. I hate it when that happens. Wouldn't it be just as easy to look for the good in something rather than the bad? Wouldn't it be just as easy to smile as smirk? Wouldn't it be easier to love our neighbors as ourselves if we looked for their gifts rather than focusing on their guilt? If we made a practice of giving instead of goading? Oh, I know, I know... that's HARD! It doesn't happen easily unless we practice...
We practice a lot of things in an effort to improve how we look and how we are perceived by those around us. Many people are motivated by not wanting to be judged. These thoughts determine even what we wear. God's Word gives us great instruction for what to wear. Colossians 3:12-14 The Message, "So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it."
Wear love. There cannot be love without forgiveness. It ain't easy, but through Christ, all things are possible.
Prayer:
Father,
According to Your Word, Since we have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, help us to throw off our old, sinful nature and our former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes. Help us to put on our new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. And to walk in forgiveness. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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