A Heart Of Forgiveness

By: Tamika M.

Forgiveness is hard. 
Forgiveness may not always be the thing that we choose to do.
But forgiveness is what the Bible calls us to do.
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Ephesians 4:2 states clearly:

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (KJV)

The Bible not only shares the story of forgiveness; it shares the truth that the forgiveness Christ gives us, we are also to extend it to others. It does not hold conditions; it does not say only forgive if the offense is small; it does not say only forgive when YOU feel like it. It reminds us that we are to walk in the truth of forgiveness in and through all things.

It may not change the hurt; it may not change what that person has done to you, but when we walk in forgiveness, we not only free the other person, but we also free ourselves. When we hold onto that hurt and even sometimes anger, we do not show Christ's glory, truth, or his message. When Christ came, died, and rose, he did it to allow you access to his forgiveness.

We are sinners who need a savior, and we have access to that savior through the sacrifice he made; it came through the blood. And the blood of Jesus was for us, our sins, our shortcomings, and when we fall short of his glory. And I do not know about you, but I need God's grace, I need God's mercy, I need God's forgiveness. While I am undeserving of his forgiveness, I am grateful that the Father was gracious enough to offer me a chance at forgiveness.

We are not worthy...we mess up...we fall short...but the message of the cross gives us redemption amid our failures—a grace that is not meant only for us, but also others. 

And today, I encourage you, whatever that person did to you, however, they hurt you, whatever wrong they did, forgive them, set them free, and allow yourself to be free. Do not be bound to unforgiveness but rather walk in the freedom of Christ. This holiday season, let us give the gift of forgiveness. Yes, it may hurt, yes it may not make sense, but you are forgiven and called to have a heart of forgiveness. Let us walk out the truth of the word, forgive others, as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. ​