Forgiveness: a word that is easy to say but very difficult to do. When you look back at the person who hurt you, who betrayed you or did you wrong, can you imagine extending forgiveness to them? What if, today you saw the person who broke your heart, or destroyed your family? The person who ruined your reputation? Maybe, you wouldn’t have the strength to forgive them.
You’ve lived so long with this anger and bitterness, because you have been using your emotions instead of your mind. We have all heard it said at one point or another; “forgive and you will be forgiven.”
Perhaps, you can quote the verse, word for word, but living it has been another story.
Keep this in mind: forgiveness is not just for the other person. Forgiveness is a necessity. When you forgive, you are not only releasing forgiveness, you are also allowing yourself the opportunity to receive it. Forgiveness never comes alone, it brings peace, it makes you lighter, it releases you from the burdens of the past. Although, it may not be easy; and what you faced can not be dismissed or put aside but it was the Lord Jesus, Himself who said,
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Those who stoned Jesus knew what they were doing but Jesus displayed this act of forgiveness for His own good; His own peace of mind.
Let us practice this example that the Lord Jesus has left for us. Ask God to help you forgive this person. Let today be your first step in the process of giving and receiving the forgiveness that comes from God.
May the God of the Bible bless you,
Bishop Joshua Fonseca
