Day One Hundred Seventy-Five - Forgiveness

The Bible commands us to forgive one another. Gone are the days of 'an eye for an eye; a tooth for a tooth'. It is there for all to see, that we are to forgive if we are to be forgiven.

Mark 11: 25-26 (25)"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.(26) But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."

But, how many of us, how often, truly forgive? Do we think that we are higher than Heavenly Father, that we don't have to obey this command because this person or that one is unworthy of being forgiven, more unworthy than we were when He forgave us?

It is something that I will readily admit to having a hard time doing. It is hard to forgive and I don't know the "formula" for exactly how to do it. However, I am working to change that. I am trying to learn to close my eyes to things that hurt or anger me. I am doing a great deal of praying. Hurt and anger, I think, can be a cover for fear. I am afraid of not knowing how things are going to work out in the end.

2nd Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

He hasn't given us a spirit of fear. He has it under control; He has our back. No matter what happens, we will never be truly alone. He is there. Whenever the rest of the world turns its back, He is there with open arms, offering love and forgiveness.

This gives me room to take the risk, to love fully, and to forgive completely. And if I am hurt again?

Psalm 32: 7 "Thou are my hiding place..."

Will it be easy? Will I be perfect?

No.

But, I won't be alone, either. He is with me.

Psalm 30:11 "Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing..."

He will never leave me.

Hebrews 13:5 "...I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."



175. I am thankful for a Heavenly Father that loves me. I am thankful for the forgiveness that He offers. I am thankful for the strength that He will give me to let go. I am thankful for the new day dawning. I am thankful for the flowers after the rain and I am thankful for the rain.

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are