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Forgive and Be Forgiven
by Clarence Ogle One of the greatest destroyers of peace in our hearts is unforgiveness. If there is anyone, dead or alive, whom you haven't forgiven, I beg you to begin the process of forgiving that person today. Unforgiveness harms our health, our human relationships, and our relationship with God. As one continues to dwell on unforgiveness, resentment can progress to anger, to bitterness, to hatred, even to a spirit of murder. These continuing negative emotions produce stress. Stress is a killer, known to trigger heart attacks and strokes. Life at home with a bitter person will not be pleasant. But, worst of all, unforgiveness keeps us far away from the God who is love. It may be very difficult to forgive that offender, so call upon the Lord for His help. "Lord Jesus, with your help, I forgive Joe for ...." Jesus is The Great Forgiver. When Jesus was crucified, He said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34 KJV). Speak your forgiveness, for "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21 KJV). Speak your forgiveness several times a day and pray for blessings and eternal life for offenders who are still alive (Matthew 5:44). Keep on speaking your forgiveness in this way until you have complete peace in your heart every time you think of that person who hurt you. Start that forgiving process now. Jesus said that God will not forgive us for our sins if we don't forgive everyone who has sinned against us (Matthew 6:12, 14-15). If we've received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, turning away from our sins with His help, and have forgiven everyone who has offended us, we can enjoy the fullness of peace that only God can give (John 14:27, Philippians 4: 6-7). Copyright 2016 by Clarence Ogle www.athomeinchrist.com I'm a retired soldier and CPA; a volunteer jail minister and an elder in my church; author of "A Place in the Son." My wife, Hayriye, and I have been married 46 years. We have children and grandchildren. We live in El Paso, Texas. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |