The Art of Forgiveness

Isn’t the Universe awesome?  Isn’t the Power of God amazing?

 

The Creator of the Universe is speaking to me, and I want to share this with you.

Sunday morning at church the message was, “The Power of Forgiveness and the Power of Unforgiveness.” AND the theme of my daily devotional for the same day was “The First to Forgive.”  That is something bigger than coincidence.  This is God speaking to me and pushing me to forgive and let go.

This verse is beautiful and so so motivational: “Be gentle with one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”  Ephesians 4:32.  During the church service, I kept reading this verse in the bulletin over and over.  Forgive, just as God has forgiven us.  That is some pretty powerful stuff right there.

Another touching passage shared on Sunday: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.  Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Hebrews 12:18-21.  It is God’s place to judge and discipline; we are told to love, do good always, and allow God to handle what is His.  We are supposed to take care of others, our enemies included, and leave the rest to the Divine.

My devotional for the same day, July 9th, was about finding the heart to forgive.  God and the whole Universe are speaking to me about forgiveness (and unforgiveness)!  In the reading, I was reminded how far away our offenses are from us following forgiveness.  It is incredible; we ask for forgiveness, and God not only forgives us for shortcomings, but also forgets.  We are completely separated from the past.  Repeatedly, he forgives and forgives, without any hesitation.  Should we not imitate the same kind of kindness?

In our human brain, it is much harder to forget than just that.  Once again, this is why we pray for this guidance.  Some things, a lot of the mind’s games, are not meant to be fought alone.  I am a Scorpio, right in the midst of the sign, and it is considered one that holds grudges.  At times, I identify with this trait all too much.  I feel I am very in tune with my emotions and those around me, and it is harder to let go.  I forgive myself and others in the moment, but cannot always forget what happened or how I was hurt.

That is where God and faith come in, again and again.  We ask for courage to let go and surrender our troubles.  We are not meant to carry all our earthly worries and stresses.  God is there to help us with any and all of our concerns.  When we need to forgive or be forgiven, it all comes back to prayer.  We have the most powerful help!!

 

Following Sunday’s messages, I have been digging deep to see what I need to be forgiven of and what/who needs my forgiveness.  Many times, it comes back to myself: what do I need to surrender?  what needs God’s grace?  what am I still bitter, angry, or frustrated about?  what do I need to forgive in myself so I can be more pure of mind and heart?

I am so thankful for the truly divine intervention in this subject.  It is by no accident that I am faced with focusing on forgiveness.  How amazing it is to be alive and given the opportunity to grow and better myself!

 

“Lord, grant me the willingness to forgive, be forgiven, and let go of past injuries.  Help me move forward today with a more loving heart.  Amen…”