Forgiveness

" Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another."    Colossians 3:13
 
 
     One of the hardest things for most of us to do is to forgive those we believe have hurt us, be that knowingly or unknowingly.  Forgiveness just does not come easy.  Our natural instinct is to recoil in self-protection when we believe we've been injured.  We don't naturally overflow with mercy, grace and forgiveness when we've been wronged.
 
     I believe forgiveness is a choice we make through a decision of our will, motivated by obedience to God and His command to forgive.
 
     The Bible instructs us to forgive as the Lord forgave us.  That leads me to believe God honors our commitment to obey Him and our desire to please Him when we choose to forgive.  He completes the work in His time.  But we must continue to forgive by faith until God brings a peace to our spirit signaling the forgiveness is complete. 
   
     Believe me, I can testify to the truth that forgiveness and letting go can lead you down the path of healing and peace.
 
Prayer:  Give me a clean heart Lord.  It is not easy to let go of the infliction of hurt, deceits, and anger perceived  or real. Help me to love my enemies as they become my brothers and sisters in You. Amen