Essential Practice of the Faith: Forgiveness
At times it is easier for us to receive forgiveness than to give it. We ponder in our minds why we should or should not forgive our offenders or self.
We know that God’s word commands us to walk in forgiveness “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may also forgive your sins” (Mark 11:25).
Let us engage in the following steps based on obedience to God’s word versus our feelings and thoughts.
Enter pray and forgive that person or self for the particular offenses or hurts.
Seek God’s help in releasing the feelings of hurt, bitterness, resentment, or hatred.
Remind ourselves, that it is God’s role not ours to judge, or get even with person or self for mistreatment we received.
Ask and continue to ask (if needed) God to help us to release this person from our judgement.
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19).