I was watching Longmire reruns when I heard this line, “Forgiveness is not a natural thing for most people.” That is true. When we get rejected or laughed at or betrayed it is not the first thought that comes to mind.
We are human after all. The first thought is more like:
- I’m gonna get you for that
- I will never forgive you
- It’s over
- I will never trust you ever again
- I can’t wait to get my revenge
No wonder Jesus had so much to say about forgiveness.
Have you ever met someone who refuses to forgive someone? They are angry, they are bitter, and they are stuck. You know, they repeat the same old story about how somebody wronged them every time you see them. They refuse to let it go. They gossip, they cut others down, and they stir up drama – all to get the focus off themselves. They blame everybody for everything. It’s sad really. You know they are miserable.
I have known people who harden their hearts and develop a root of bitterness. Roots grow deep. Once this happens they lose their joy and hope. You can’t tell them anything because they don’t want to hear it. They poison the lives of those they touch. They bring strife, division, and even hatred.
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; – Hebrews 12:14-15 NKJV
So what should we do?
- Repent of any unforgiveness in our hearts. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind those we have not yet forgiven.
- Forgive them and forgive yourself for holding on to it.
- Pray for the person you had a resentment against. Yes, pray for them. Ask God to bless them. Then you will be free of it.
- Trust God to deal with it. “Vengeance is mine says the Lord, I will repay.” Let God take care of it. Trust Him to make it right.
What they did may be wrong. But so you really want to be stuck there forever? Do you really want to be tied to that wrong forever? God can’t deal with them or make it right until you let it go.
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Forgiveness is tough. And from what I’ve learned in life is that your very own family hurts you worse than anyone. I have to remind myself that in some way, shape and form, I am not always pleasing to the Lord. That keeps me humble.
Forgiveness is ETERNAL THROUGH Jesus-Yeshua Christ for Today and Everyday Forevermore, for those who TRUST in the LORD Jesus-Yeshua Christ with all thine Heart and Soul!!
Praise Jesus-Yeshua Christ for Today and Everyday HE is KING of kings and LORD of lords, HE is the ALPHA and OMEGA!! Glory Glory Hallelujah and Maranatha!!
God Bless you Sister in Christ Jesus-Yeshua Diana and Your Family members and Friends!!
God Bless all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus-Yeshua and Your Families and Friends!!
Our ONE True GOD’S LOVE 💕💙 is ETERNAL THROUGH HIS SON Jesus-Yeshua Christ for Today and Everyday Forevermore!!
I Love you all Everyone through Christ Jesus-Yeshua, because HE LOVED 💙💕 EVERYONE FIRST!!
Love 💕💙 Always and Shalom ( Peace ), YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann
God bless you too!
Mat 24:10 — Mat 24:12
And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
Look at the progression of events in this passage.
First there is the offense which, undealt with, leads to the second event which is betrayal and hatred of one another. An offense allowed to fester produces a root of bitterness which in turn causes the individual to become guarded and protective hence he/she will betray someone when push comes to shove rather than defending the individual. I’ve seen this first hand. The next 2 events are frightening. The, “then”, that follows says that false prophets will arise and deceive many. Paul speaks of such in
2Ti 4:3 — 2Ti 4:4
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
A false prophet/false shepherd won’t confront the problem of unforgiveness but rather he/she would placate the individual into thinking all is well. With the offense still festering and the root of bitterness still growing and sinking its roots deep into the heart of the individual we see that because of the lawlessness, no justice, the love of most will grow cold.
It’s important in these last days to forgive and to keep your heart before the Lord, asking Him to continually search it so that no root of bitterness springs up and takes hold.
Very true. Thank you for your insight. I have seen this too – it makes me sad. To know Jesus and not accept his love or grace or forgiveness…heartbreaking. The spirit of religion is such a hindrance to love.