Forgiveness

We have all been hurt. There are some things that have been done to us that seem to be unforgivable. I understand. Some people believe that forgiveness can take place instantly, others view it as a process. I have experienced both. But, what I want to share with you today is how choosing not to forgive may be holding you back from the promises God has for you. 

Each year, at the beginning of the year, I ask God to reveal to me anyone who I have not forgiven. For the past three years, there are three people who have remained on that list. Each time he showed me this, I said, “God, I feel like I’ve already forgiven them.” and then he shows me the ways that I had not. I did everything I knew to do. I prayed about it. I tried to be kind when I saw them, but that feeling was still there. I remembered what they did, and I couldn’t let go of it. Recently, when talking with God, I became resolute and felt like enough was enough. I wanted to be done with this feeling of unforgiveness. The people who hurt me probably don’t even realize the extent of what they did. I said “God, I’m sorry. I am done being angry with these people. I forgive them, truly! I want the best for them. God, please bless them and heal them!”. That very same day, God came through on a promise that I had been waiting on. 

Choosing not to forgive has spiritual impacts beyond what we are able to see. We have to truly be done with feeling like we have the right to be angry. No one is perfect. There are things that we have done to hurt others as well. If we want God to forgive our sins, we have to also forgive others. We are made in His image and likeness, let’s do our best to live that way.

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

Mark 11:25

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22

As we prepare for this concert. I am beyond confident that God has made you a promise that He wants to fulfill. Ask God to reveal to you anyone who you are holding unforgiveness towards. Then…. Genuinely, let it go. Pray for them. Pray the best for them. God is preparing our hearts to be fertile ground, Good Ground, to not only receive His promises, but to nurture them, so that they can grow in a way that will positively impact those around us.

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 

Check out this interview I did with Candace Foxx on the topic of the power of forgiveness: