November 16th, 2023
The Ultimate Forgiveness
When Jesus said in Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” He asked God to forgive the people who put Him on the cross. From the decisions of the rulers at that time, to the men who whipped His back into bloody disfiguration, to the men that used nails to hammer through His hands and feet to a wooden cross, to people mocking him as He bled. Jesus asked God to forgive them as He hung there bloody, humiliated, and naked.
Sometimes we like to say, “Well, I’m not Jesus,” and you’re right. We are not Jesus, but as Christians, we must strive to be more like Him daily. Holding on to grudges and walking in unforgiveness only harms you, not the person you’re upset with. It’s time to let it go, even if you never receive an apology. This doesn’t absolve them of their actions, but gives you your power back to live without grudges.
“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” Mark 11:25 New Living Translation
We must not only forgive others but also ourselves. We can be just as harsh on ourselves due to unrealistic expectations, past traumas, family hurt, etc. Please realize that your past does not define you. If God can forgive you, you can forgive yourself. Forget the past, accept the present, and focus on what God has for you.
“…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead” Philippians 3:13 New Living Translation
It’s not enough to ask for your needs to be met but ask for more than enough. Let’s not settle for the bare minimum; go after the extreme. Reach for the stars, ask for the moon, and believe God will do it.
Challenge of the Day
First, say this prayer:
Father, thank You for being a loving and forgiving God. I repent of my sins. Forgive me for anything I said or did that has brought shame to Your Name. I pray that You show me where I am practicing unforgiveness so I may live freely without burden or grudges. God, grant me strength to forgive others and myself and heal the broken places in my heart. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Pray to God and be honest about your feelings. Say it out loud, write it down, cry it out, and/or talk with a trusted person. Let your feelings flow so healing can take place.
Along with prayer, try therapy. If possible, find a therapist within your area to talk through these feelings in a safe place that allows you to heal and move forward.
Set boundaries. Don’t allow repeated actions of others to continuously hurt you. Set boundaries of what you will allow in your life and what you will not allow to happen.
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