Forgiveness- This word carries so much weight! It is so powerful that it can change our journey, ourselves, our family, our generation, and our ministry—your decision today to either go ahead and forgive or not will transform or destroy your life.
In the Bible, we see many instances where Jesus taught the disciples regarding forgiveness. One of the disciples asked Jesus how many times we need to forgive. Seventy-seven times. That's how many times the Bible tells us we should forgive someone.
I want to clarify that forgiving someone doesn't mean you have to restore your friendship or the relationship you had before. It means you let go of the past, love them, and pray for them and their soul and salvation. Not every relationship will be restored; we have a few examples in the Bible, such as Paul and Barnabas: Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas. "Sometime later, Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." Acts 15:36, there was a separation between them. Likewise, some relationships, such as those between Joseph and his brothers, will be restored. No matter the situation, we are still called to forgive and let go! :)
Bible Verse:
Matthew 18: 21-22, Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Jesus told Peter that he should forgive his brother a limitless number of times. Not only because it is a decision we make but, most importantly, because it is a commandment. Matthew 6:14-15, "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Wow!! Just pause for a minute. And READ this again. So, it is NOT even a decision; we must also do this for us to be forgiven. So, this is where it says, "Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets... Treat others as you would want them to treat you in everything, Matthew 7:12.
Forgiving and letting go are part of Inner Healing, Freedom, and a Joyful and merciful life. You don't allow someone to control you because that is precisely what happens when you hold that person accountable for what they did to you. You think you are in control when, in reality, you live in bondage and constantly think about the past.
Today is a new day! Today is a new opportunity to forgive and let go. Turn the page and start a new book, a new chapter, where you allow Jesus to heal your soul, change your mindset, and start making good habits—enough pity. You are called to be free, healthy, fearless, strong, courageous, smart, beautiful, and wise. You are a woman who walks in faith and does not live with self-pity anymore.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for forgiving of all my sins. Thank you for removing them as far as the east is from the west! I'm forever grateful! Today is a new day, and I choose to let go and forgive what had me in bondage for so long. It no longer has control over me. I prefer to be FREE, healed, and happy! Help me understand how unconditional your forgiveness is and how your love surpasses any sin. After I know such forgiveness, I ask that you teach me how to give it to others. But at the same time, I ask that you provide me with discernment regarding what I should and shouldn't allow from others and set boundaries. GIVE ME STRENGTH! GIVE THEM GRACE! Make them bold in your love and forgiveness! In Jesus' name, I pray.
By: Vilmary González
Emunah Woman
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