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.
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