FREEDOM TO FORGIVE

This past Sunday we celebrated a Risen Savior. As we go throughout this week, remember that he suffered so we would be free from death, the ultimate consequence of sin. Christ bore the brunt of our transgressions for all time! His sacrifice symbolizes the love and mercy that God has for His creation (John 3:16). As a necessary part of our walk with Christ, we must fully embrace the spirit of forgiveness. 
Forgiveness is twofold; it is having the ability to forgive and seeking forgiveness for our wrongdoing. The enemy tries to convince us to hold grudges, place blame and seek revenge against those that have sinned against us. The enemy also tries to convince us to be ashamed, feel guilty and fearful about past wrongs we have done to others. We are not exempt from the tricks the devil will use to thwart our faith in Christ Jesus, but we must remember that we all need forgiveness in our lives, and if His grace and mercy is sufficient to forgive our wrongs then we must offer the same to others (see Matthew 18:21-35). 
Next to love, forgiveness is the most powerful weapon we have in our arsenal against the enemy. Embracing the spirit of forgiveness will release the bondage that the enemy holds over us. When we express mercy to others, we relinquish the control of guilt, fear, shame, and vindication. When we have a forgiving heart, there is a supernatural peace when in the presence of the betrayers, liars, abusers, thieves, or murderers that once harmed us. Whatever hurt was inflicted; we are no longer bound to it and we are free to move on. 
The blood Christ shed for my sins alone is enough for me to love, honor and worship Him, but He did it for every single sin committed by every single person for all time! The abuse, the humiliation, the long-suffering that Jesus experienced during that one week was done to save us all. God sacrificed His only son so that all of the wretchedness we see paraded in front of us every day is forgiven!  But this week we are back to holding grudges, plotting to get back at people, feeling guilty and placing blame. Let it Go People! Honor God, and mimic the mercy He has for all of us. Remember Christ, why He lived, why He died, and why He rose again. Forgiveness will not kill you; Jesus already took your place.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for sacrificing your son to save our lives. Forgive us for our sins Lord, and give us the courage to forgive each other just as you have forgiven each of us. Open our hearts to be healed of all the wrongs inflicted upon us so that we can move forward with purpose, with love, and an unwavering faith in you and your word. Thank you for the grace and mercy that you continue to show us each and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Read James 3:13-18 for more insight.