Be a Blessing - Forgive and Forget

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. —Ephesians 4:32

To resent and remember brings strife; to forgive and forget brings peace.

The forgiveness we profess sometimes is superficial. It may be prompted by fear, or to gain some selfish advantage, or to clear our conscience—not out of genuine love for God and the one who has wronged us. Yes, we may say we forgive, but when the least little friction arises, we are quick to resurrect past grievances. How different is the forgiveness Jesus talked about! (Matthew 18:15-22).

Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith, with our Savior extending forgiveness even when He was dying on the cross. Jesus loved those who had nailed Him there, uttering a prayer asking His Father to forgive them. He didn’t hang on to bitterness or anger but showed grace and love to those who had wronged Him.

The apostle Paul left no doubt about the nature of genuine forgiveness when he said we are to forgive one another just as God has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32). That means we are to forgive—and forget.

When we ask God through His Spirit to help us forgive, He will come to our aid—even if we take what we think is a long time to forgive. When we do, we are freed from the prison of unforgiveness.

Lord, help us give our grievances to You so that You may turn them into something good. Make us ready to forgive completely and earnestly. Give us Your spirit of unity.In Jesus Name, Amen.

Today dear friends, I encourage you to forgive and forget those who have wronged you in the past or just recently. You will feel a weight being lifted off your shoulders that was continually there from the burden of not forgiving. Forgive others as God has forgiven us. Free yourself from the prison of unforgiveness. Be a Blessing- Forgive and Forget! HUGS!!! :)