While sitting here at both desks—I was thinking about a recent phone call I’d received from one of my daughters and also the devotional I read this morning…”Examine yourself to make sure that you have forgiven every person who has come against you in any way. That is the only way for you to receive forgiveness for what you have done to others in thought, word, or deed. You cannot progress until you are blameless in this aspect of your life, says the Lord. “The corresponding scripture read “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25-26)

Sometimes when the decisions we’ve made don’t turn out the way we thought—immediately we try to place the blame on someone else instead of being cognizant of the fact the decision was made by us- not anyone else. No matter the outcome it was your choice and you have to live with the consequences. Secondly, in that unforgiveness, you begin saying things about others that further down the road you regret and because unforgiveness has touched your heart with bitterness and blinded your thinking with the spirit of pride we distance ourselves as opposed to apologizing or even asking those blameless parties for forgiveness.

Now blinded by pride you are walking down this dark path where bitterness turns into resentment and in your distancing you are now just where the enemy wants you—isolated and stagnant not being able to make any progress. But the greatest loss is it hinders your fellowship with God. The scripture that comes to mind here is Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (Galatians 6:7 NKJV) So all of that poison you put into the ground is being fed every day by this hatred and pride so that when the harvest comes up…You are cyclicly reaping what you’ve sewn. Because your actions were sowing to the flesh and not the spirit. (Galatians 6:8 NKJV)

Let’s be real—forgiving isn’t always a walk in the park. Pride, bitterness, and resentment can be stubborn gatekeepers to a forgiving heart. But fear not, for navigating these tough emotions is a vital step towards freeing yourself from the chains of unforgiveness. Prayer and meditation can be your flashlight, illuminating the path ahead and guiding you toward a place of peace and healing. (Psalm 119:105) And in this illumination, you discover the first person you must forgive is yourself. Then you can begin forgiving others.

Forgiving as Christ forgave means letting go of our pride…

As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in His footsteps, embodying the radical forgiveness He showed on the cross. (Luke 23:34 NKJV) Forgiving as Christ forgave means letting go of our pride, our need for revenge, and our desire for justice, and instead choosing to extend mercy and grace, even to those who have wronged us.

In a world heavy with grudges and grievances, choosing forgiveness isn’t just a noble act; it’s a revolutionary one. It’s about finding peace within yourself, extending grace to others, and living a life that’s rooted in love, compassion, and the sweet freedom of forgiveness. Let us continue to walk in the footsteps of Christ, extending forgiveness to others and ourselves, knowing that through faith and perseverance, we can find healing, reconciliation, and a heart at peace.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32 NKJV)

Other posts that may help:
*52 Bible Verses about Quick To Forgive.
*To Be Christian

Thank you so much for your continued readership and support. Until next week…Blessings and Peace!

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