The word forgiveness draws various reactions. If we’re talking about God’s forgiveness of us, it can be a soothing topic resulting in gratitude and peace. If we need to seek forgiveness from someone we’ve wronged, we might wrangle a bit with our pride before we finally approach that person in humility—but our resulting cleared conscience makes it well worth the effort.
Usually, however, the most uncomfortable kind of forgiveness is what we must extend to someone who has wronged us or hurt us deeply. The Bible says a lot about this kind of forgiveness—perhaps because our emotions arm wrestle with it and other lingering memories skirmish with it. It’s really hard to do.
Find out what God’s Word says about forgiveness, how essential it is to understand, and how to actually do it...if we want to grow in our walk with God.
Have you ever had an experience when circumstances were completely out of your control and there was nothing you could do…except trust God? When that happens it's a good reminder that God is the potter and we are the clay.
A repentant spirit is rarely found in our litigious society. How seldom we say or hear the words, “I’m wrong. I am sorry.”
Walking closely with the Lord means we must come to terms with forgiving others. Yes, must. We can’t avoid or deny the fact that relationships often bring hurt and the need to forgive.
When you pray do it to be heard by God, not applauded by people. Pray from the heart—without meaningless repetition.
Perhaps the waters of guilt have washed over you, and you feel like you are sinking in sorrow and regret. What could be preventing you from moving beyond your past and feeling forgiven?
To be great is to be misunderstood. Jesus was the most misunderstood person who ever lived. He was also the most forgiving.
Think of someone who may have blown it. He or she needs your love, not your judgment. Leave grudges to the world and open your arms with a forgiving embrace.
Rarely will one of God’s heroes show up in the Scriptures and have no failure throughout his or her life. ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Have you examined your spiritual eyesight lately? Only by facing your blind spots and bringing them to Jesus can you hope to have your vision corrected. Pretending you’re OK will keep you in the dark.
John 8 tells the story of a woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees brought her to Jesus in order to trap Him. If Jesus said, “punish her” then His compassion for people would be questioned. If He said, “release her” then He’d be accused of not supporting the Law of Moses. How did He respond?
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