For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your
Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15
This one is a hard one to
write. There was a pastor who made extra money delivering newspapers. One
morning as he picked up the ones he was to deliver, he was killed by a hit and
run driver. His family came out that same day and publically forgave the
unknown person who killed him. An amazing action on their part. I always admired
them.
Then I had to do the same.
A few years ago, my gentle
brother in law was brutally murdered by his roommate. There are no words that
can adequately describe the variety and intensity of emotions we felt.
I was so angry. I wanted
to hate. The Lord wouldn’t let me. His quiet still voice reminded me that we
are called to forgive as we are forgiven. It is so hard to forgive something
like this. We are not given the choice. He says to forgive.
So I did. I forgave and
prayed for the salvation of my brother in law’s killer. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you,
and persecute you; Matthew 5:44 Then I asked the Lord to soften my
hard heart. Every day I asked Him to change me, to help me truly forgive.
We are called to forgive.
No matter how difficult, we are to forgive. It can be done, through Christ. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians
4:13
Are there people in your
life whom you need to forgive? Forgive as you are forgiven.
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