How do I learn to FORGIVE?
How are you feeling? Do you feel lost and alone? Do you have regrets? Are you in any kind of pain? Are you afraid of what’s coming? You don’t have to be any of those things. I’m going to tell you now, of promises that you can always count on. I’m going to tell you of a love so pure that you’ll never find it’s match. I’m going to tell you of a future that you can have that can end your pain. Physical, mental and emotional pain can be devastating, but I can tell you of a few things that may ease your suffering.However, I will not give all of these tools in one sitting. This will be a multi-subject lesson that will continue for quite some time, I’m sure.
The first subject in this series of lessons is “Forgiveness”. I honestly believe that this how I need to start you off. Forgiveness is one of the hardest things for anyone to accomplish. Do you have trouble forgiving others? What about forgiving yourself? I don’t know about you but I had more trouble forgiving than I could even explain. It took me years to learn to forgive and I still have trouble with forgiving myself. I’m still working to improve on this subject. So…I thought we could work together on learning to forgive.
“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; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in Heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” Matthew 5: 44-45. To me, this means that what goes around, comes around. But it’s not up to me to reward or punish. These things will be done by God the Almighty Father…in His time…not mine. But rest assured that His WILL be done.
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in Heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in Heaven forgive your trespasses”. Mark 11: 25-26. This is pretty much self-explanatory. If you can’t forgive others, how can you expect forgiveness yourself? This includes forgiving yourself. You are not to hold back your forgiveness for ANYONE. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6: 14
And finally, “But love ye enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye merciful, as your Father is also merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.” Luke 6: 35-38. Again this is self-explanatory. Do for others without expecting anything in return. Give with a pure heart and mind. Do not judge others or condemn them, no matter the temptation to do so, for the pain that they have caused with the wrongs they have done.
I chose this subject to be first, because that seems to be the hardest thing for most people to do. Forgiveness is hard. But our Father in Heaven is stronger than any weakness you have. He can give you the strength to forgive yourself and others. You have but to ask. If you like we can ask right now. Pray with me…
Dear Heavenly Father…you are faithful to forgive even the most grievous of sins. Please forgive me of any transgressions. Please give me the strength and fortitude to forgive others with a healthy and pure heart. Please help me be strong enough to be a Blessing to others in all situations. In Jesus’ precious and Holy Name. Amen.
Look forward to the next lesson on: Guilt and Shame