FORGIVENESS

Forgiving others is something we must take very seriously if we want to protect our sobriety.  We can never make up for the wrongs we have done, but we can let those whom we have harmed know how much we regret having hurt them. Through the finished work of Jesus, God forgives us and no longer counts our wrongdoing against us. Operating out of this secure foundation of forgiveness will give us the grace and strength we need to support our efforts in seeking reconciliation with others. 

It would be impossible for us to forgive someone who has harmed us if God had not first demonstrated the way.  We harmed ourselves and others when we failed to keep God’s commandments and yet God was willing to send His Son into the world to pay the debt we owed.  If we admit our wrong-doing and repent and turn away from it, and trust in Jesus’ sacrifice for our sin, God will give us a new life. 

In Christ, God did not hold people guilty for their sins. And he gave us this message of peace to tell people.  (2 Corinthians 5:19 ERV)

God did not wait for us to come to Him.  He prepared in advance to liberate us from the penalty of our wrongdoing.  God reached out to us with His wonderful gift when we didn't dare approach Him.  We can reflect on God’s way of reconciliation as we begin the work of restoring our own troubled relationships. 

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. (Colossians 3:13 NLT) 

Hanging on to a bitter grudge and seeking revenge only sickens our soul and damages those who are close to us. Bitterness is like a cancer that feeds on our insides and shows itself in outbursts of irritability, anger, and resentment.  Who do I still need to forgive?  Am I ready to invite God into the pain and the injustice and ask Him to show me a way to peace through forgiveness?

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, You have forgiven me for the many wrongs I have done and even though it is difficult, I choose to forgive those who have harmed me.  Please heal me and give me the strength and courage to move forward into a life of peace with others.  Amen