Through Forgiveness Comes Healing...

Scripture:
Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIV)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 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.

Devotional:

Has anyone ever done anything to wrong you?  What have you done to wrong someone else?  Are you upset with someone because of what they did or did not do?  Bad feelings can bring about resentment.  This can eventually lead to having a bitter heart.  Maybe you think you have forgiven someone then all of a sudden the old feelings crop up.  Then something is said or done to bring it all back to the surface.  Who knows maybe you are unsure if you need to forgive or ask for forgiveness. 

 

It really doesn’t matter where you are in all this.  If unsure then seek forgiveness for how you feel.  If you are the guilty one then seek forgiveness.  If they do not offer forgiveness then pray for them and move on.  You would have done what Christ would have you do.  If someone asks for your forgiveness, even if they don’t ask, forgive them.  Put it behind you.  Remember God forgives our sins and remembers them no more.  He casts them as far as the East is to the West.  

For your own sake find it in your heart to forgive.  It can be very difficult and even impossible for us.  Through the Holy Spirit we can be given the strength to forgive.  We might not want to forgive but we must find a way to do so.  Ask God to help you forgive someone.  Ask for the strength and willingness to forgive.  Christ has forgiven you of all your sins.  Are you better than He is?  If He who is without sin forgives, then we must forgive as well.  

Forgiveness is not just for the benefit of the person seeking it.  It is also for your benefit.  By releasing and forgiving you can begin to heal.  The heart that has become bitter can find sweet joy, love, compassion, and even mercy once again.