I have kept up the theme of forgiveness for the past few blogs for one purpose only...You!
You are the reason God created the release of forgiveness, not to give the person who harmed you a free pass, but to set you the wounded one FREE!
Free from bitterness. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32 NIVFree from the hatred that rules your heart and zaps your energy.
Free from emotional torment. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. Psalm 103: 2-4 NIV
Free from the addiction calling your name...the one that entices you to indulge...just to forget the pain.
Free from the need to pass your pain onto your children and have them caught in a war between adults.
Free to receive forgiveness of our own sin.“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:36-38 NIV
Free from Satan's constant voice that calls out the message of revenge.
Free from the invitation you give the enemy of your soul to hang around.“In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." Ephesians 4:26-28 NIV
Free to receive God's love when the world is unlovely. "You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. "Psalm 86:5 NIV Call to God, His love never fails.
I can testify from experience, each of these FREEDOMS! It took time and continual decisions to give the pain over to God again and again. I will expound on this difficult process next Monday.
For Today, make a life changing decision even if you do not know how...God will do the rest.
Give yourself a gift and forgive!