A Forgiving Heart

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"A Forgiving Heart"

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32 NKJV

It is very difficult to forgive someone who has hurt you. Many times ugly thoughts of revenge creep into your mind and cause much trouble. Jesus said, "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses." (Mark 11:25). And He set the example on the cross, praying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34).

But you may say, "I don't feel like forgiving that person. How can I, when he has mistreated me so badly?" Consider what the hymn writer, William Cowper, wrote: "Alas! If my best Friend, who laid down his life for me, were to remember all the instances in which I have neglected him, and to plead them against me in judgment, where should I hide my guilty head in the day of recompense? I will pray therefore, for blessings on my friends, even though they cease to be so, and upon my enemies, though they continue such."

When you allow unforgiveness to fester in your heart, it will contaminate your entire body, causing melancholy and depression. It can even cause physical illness. You remain a prisoner of the person who has hurt you. I have found that forgiveness does not always come immediately, but often is a process that may take some time to accomplish. When you have the faith and courage to ask God to make you a channel of his forgiveness, his selfless love will finally melt your hate and anger. You will be free to enjoy the abundant life once more.

Lord, I ask for your forgiving love to flow through me, ridding me of all my angry and vengeful thoughts. Amen.

“Prayerful Living”