It is impossible to have a relationship with God without forgiveness. Because without forgiveness, there is no way to mend our relationship with Him. We offended God with our sins, and there is nothing that we can do to pay the penalty of our sins. So in order for God to forgive us, He has to sacrifice His only Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. It is not easy for our God the Father to forgive us because it is very painful for Him. Jesus sweats like blood in the Garden of Gethsemane when He asks God the Father to let His suffering pass, but not His will, but God the Father's will would be done. It costs God tremendously when he forgave us. On the other hand, it did not cost us anything when we received our forgiveness.
It requires a sacrifice to forgive someone. Just like our God, it costs Him the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, to forgive. When we forgive someone, we let go of all the wrong things that they have done to us. And this is not easy for some to do because they want to get even. They want their offenders to suffer, just like they suffered. They want their offenders to feel their sufferings. However, unforgiveness is like a prison. The offenders will always have power over us emotionally until we forgive them. God wants us to live in freedom, and He wants us to forgive.
It isn't easy to forgive those who have hurt us in the past. It could be our parents, siblings, relatives, or friends who abused or mistreated us. Maybe someone who lied, cheated, sexually molested, or verbally abused us. We can go on with a list of wrong things that other people have done to us, but as children of God, God wants us to forgive them and let our Heavenly Father heal us emotionally. God understands what it feels to forgive, and He wants to help us to forgive because that is the only way we can restore relationships. Our unforgiveness affects our relationship with God. Let us forgive and experience the joy and peace that comes with forgiveness.
Ask yourself these questions: Why does God want me to forgive those who hurt me? What should I do if I am having difficulty forgiving someone?
Write down all the worries that you are facing today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you for forgiving all of my sins. Please help me to forgive. I admit that it is not easy for me to forgive, but as your child, I want to forgive. So please empower me with your Spirit to forgive those who hurt me. Please help me now with (mention your prayer requests). In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Comments