December 5th, 2024
Thursday, December 5th
Forgive as We are Forgiven
By: Anna Williams
Maybe I’m alone in this, but sometimes I read scripture, and I don’t like what it says. What I read sounds like hard work that goes against my natural inclinations. It feels like a challenge to let go of something that I’m not ready to release.
“And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment].” – Matthew 6:12 AMP
Praise God that we have the Holy Spirit to help us when we don’t feel like doing what we know is good for us! This verse is part of the Lord’s Prayer which was Jesus’ answer to the disciples when they asked how to pray effectively. That tells me that Jesus knew it would be a common struggle for all believers.
Jesus ties together the concept of forgiveness as something that we do for others because we have needed it ourselves. When someone wrongs us (especially in a malevolent way), we tend to dehumanize them to cope with the pain that they cause in our lives. But Jesus is reminding us that he died even for those who commit evil.
Instead of holding on to bitterness and resentment, God wants us to live a life of abundance and joy. The holidays often present us with an opportunity to choose how to respond to past hurts. If you have someone in mind, join me in praying that the Holy Spirit will help us to choose forgiveness and to have wisdom to know how to interact with that person going forward.
Forgive as We are Forgiven
By: Anna Williams
Maybe I’m alone in this, but sometimes I read scripture, and I don’t like what it says. What I read sounds like hard work that goes against my natural inclinations. It feels like a challenge to let go of something that I’m not ready to release.
“And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment].” – Matthew 6:12 AMP
Praise God that we have the Holy Spirit to help us when we don’t feel like doing what we know is good for us! This verse is part of the Lord’s Prayer which was Jesus’ answer to the disciples when they asked how to pray effectively. That tells me that Jesus knew it would be a common struggle for all believers.
Jesus ties together the concept of forgiveness as something that we do for others because we have needed it ourselves. When someone wrongs us (especially in a malevolent way), we tend to dehumanize them to cope with the pain that they cause in our lives. But Jesus is reminding us that he died even for those who commit evil.
Instead of holding on to bitterness and resentment, God wants us to live a life of abundance and joy. The holidays often present us with an opportunity to choose how to respond to past hurts. If you have someone in mind, join me in praying that the Holy Spirit will help us to choose forgiveness and to have wisdom to know how to interact with that person going forward.
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Paralysis of AnalysisA Daily CommitmentChild Like FaithThe Battle of the MindGPSSTOP. THINK. ACT. REVIEW.Let. It. Go.Choosing the Path of MercyQuick to Listen, Slow to SpeakPeacemakersBe Careful What You Wish ForRunYour Old Self Vs. The NewOn Not Loving the WorldLove One AnotherTreasure ChestsWho Sets the Bar?Be the You God Made You to BeTread a PathSo Much Better
February
Trust and ObeyA Pivotal MomentOh to Be the Mama of JesusA Fresh StartVictory or DefeatThe Edge of the CliffAuthorityHis Personal TouchForged by FaithSabbath - Setting You FreeHave You Prayed About It?Don't Build Your House on Sandy LandThe Centurion's FaithDon't Be OffendedWe All Need ItLighthouseIt's a Family ThingWhere the Ministry isHolding on by a Thread - and That's EnoughTraveling Essentials
March
Better is One DayDivine Interruption3 QuestionsThe Childlike ApproachThe Ignored ParableLost in the WoodsGathering or Scattering?Hindering InfluenceWhen Faith Gets a Performance Review"More"Knock KnockA Clear Call to ReadinessSowing SeedsThe Narrow DoorAgainst the GrainDo You Want ItI Once Was LostThe Unjust ManagerActs of Service, Echoes of EternityJust "Thank You"Soon and Very Soon
2024
January
New Year, Fresh StartA Good Plan for the New YearCall on MeHope Has a NameHolidays in Rear ViewHolinessHow to Have our Mind TransformedNew Year, New YouA Pattern of RenewalVictory in JesusFear Knot? Fear Not.Seek the LORDBetterWhere to Place your TrustRadical GraceGenerosity God's WayThe Poor and NeedyThe Open Hand ConceptA Need that Burdens your HeartHow's Your Heart?Who Are You?Testing in the Wilderness
February
Categories
Tags
no tags
No Comments