12/5/23 | Journal Thoughts
When God nudges us to forgive, it’s not an excuse for what was done to us, but a chance to break free from the suffocating grip of unforgiveness.
Picture unforgiveness as this sneaky poison—that starts as a tiny seed of offense, and then grows into this giant tree of bitterness. That’s the kicker: it doesn’t really care about the person who did you wrong. Nope, unforgiveness, is hunting for vessels to dump its venom into.
In Mark 11:25, Jesus says; “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
In other words, forgiveness is actually more so for you than it is for the other person who hurt you.
See, when you forgive others you are extending the forgiveness of Jesus on your behalf.
As He hung on the cross, nailed by the very people he came to save…
Jesus uttered words that would make jaws drop on the floor in todays cancel culture.
“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
A.W. Tozer said in his book Preparing for Jesus’ Return: Daily Live the Blessed Hope,
"If man had his way, the plan of redemption would be an endless and bloody conflict. In reality, salvation was bought not by Jesus' fist, but by His nail-pierced hands; not by muscle but by love; not by vengeance but by forgiveness; not by force but by sacrifice. Jesus Christ our Lord surrendered in order that He might win; He destroyed His enemies by dying for them and conquered death by allowing death to conquer Him."
If you have unforgivness in your heart, I have some good news for you….
Jesus sees the pain you went through and or are currently going through and not only does He see what you have gone through or are going through,
He wants to free you from that pain that is holding on to you.
He wants to deliver you and comfort you as you heal and become restored in His love.
A PRAYER OF FORGIVENESS TO GUIDE YOU
Father, I trust you and I know that your plan is to prosper me not harm me. You want to heal every single ache and pain within me and you want to get to the parts of me that have been hurt by others. Father, I understand that forgiveness is for me, as much as it is for others. It’s a gift available because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So today, I surrender the hurt that I am holding on to and I forgive _________ (him, her, them) for____________( what they did). Father, I also forgive myself for the feeling guilt, shame and for blame.
I know that you are not only a Merciful God, but you are Just God and you will fight my battles on my behalf.
I rest in that today, In Jesus name I pray,
Amen.